Species

2 other cultivars

shrub

Korean Boxwood

Buxus sinica 'Franklin'

Same species

Species

2 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Very long-lived shrub

Native To

Korea

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Korean boxwoods are known for their exceptional cold hardiness compared to other boxwood species. They typically have a more open habit and their foliage may take on a bronze cast in winter. 'Franklin's Gem' is a low-growing, spreading cultivar with excellent hardiness and a unique winter foliage color. The leaves turn an attractive olive-green to bronze in cold weather, reverting to bright green in spring.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Franklin's Gem' offers a fine-textured, low-mounding form that is perfect for edging beds and walkways. Its seasonal color change, from bright green to an olive-bronze, adds subtle winter interest to the garden, distinguishing it from uniformly green varieties.

Its superior cold hardiness makes it a reliable boxwood choice for gardens in colder climates where other types may suffer winter damage. The slow, spreading growth habit reduces pruning chores and makes it suitable for massing as a low-maintenance groundcover.

The dense foliage provides shelter for beneficial insects and spiders. Its inconspicuous spring flowers offer an early nectar and pollen source for small native bees and other pollinators.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with at least four hours of sun and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the container.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil.
Backfill the hole with the excavated soil.
Water deeply after planting to settle the soil.
Apply mulch around the plant, keeping it away from the main stem.

Pro Tip

Embrace its natural spreading form for an informal look, or give it one light shearing after spring growth for a tighter mound.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Water during extended dry periods, especially in the first year.
Protect from harsh, drying winter winds if bronzing is a concern.
Test soil pH; boxwoods prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or constantly wet soil.
Avoid piling mulch against the plant's stem, which can cause rot.
Don't perform heavy pruning late in the season.
Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers that can cause excessive, weak growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hardy low edging for pathwaysSpreading foundation plantingTextural groundcover in mixed beds

Companion Plants

Paeonia (Peony) Hemerocallis (Daylily) Geranium 'Rozanne' Spiraea japonica Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Korean Boxwood questions

What zones can Korean Boxwood grow in?

Korean Boxwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Korean Boxwood deer resistant?

Yes — Korean Boxwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Korean Boxwood bloom?

Korean Boxwood typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Korean Boxwood need full sun?

Korean Boxwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Korean Boxwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Korean Boxwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.