Additional Information about Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Franklin's Gem'

‘Franklin’s Gem’ is a low spreading cultivar with lime green new growth in the spring. New growth will slowly transition to an olive-green. It is very similar to the cultivars insularis ‘Nana’ and ‘Tide Hill’. Deer resistant.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Franklin's Gem'

‘Franklin’s Gem’ should be pruned lightly in late winter to early spring to make a stronger and denser plant. This cultivar can be pruned with shears or hand pruners. Thinning is not typically necessary but, if this cultivar is sheared heavily, some thinning in early spring would be beneficial.

‘Franklin’s Gem’ is very resistant to boxwood leafminer and very tolerant to boxwood blight. It has few pest or disease issues when planted and cared for properly.

Interesting Notes about Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Franklin's Gem'

Comments: A light annual pruning will lessen the tendency of the plant to open up in the center over time. ‘Franklin’s Gem’s’ demand is greatly increasing as tests show its resistance to leafminer and tolerance to boxwood blight. Recent testing shows it is possibly the same plant as insularis ‘Nana’.

Uses: Small specimen, low hedge, foundation plant, edging, parterre or knot garden

Substitutes: insularis ‘Nana’, ‘Little Missy’, ‘Justin Brouwers’, ‘Vardar Valley’