The name Styer has been part of the American horticulture industry since 1890 when Jacob Styer started his nursery in the Brandywine Valley of eastern Pennsylvania. Legend has it that J. Franklin Styer, Jacob’s son, acquired a seedling of Boxwood from Korea in the late 1960’s or early 1970’s to grow for his own personal use. Franklin, of course, realized the incredible value of this special Boxwood and must have felt compelled to share the wealth with the rest of us. This slow-growing, fine textured rounded evergreen requires minimal maintenance but still tolerates shearing well for formal use. Said to be the one of the hardiest of all Boxwoods, ‘Franklin’s Gem’ has bright green, glossy foliage, even in summer heat, that turns a rich olive color during the winter months. Plant this little charmer in well-drained soils in sun or part shade…it is perfect in foundation plantings, borders, mixed plantings, hedges or containers. ‘Franklin’s Gem’ is deer resistant, too…no wonder it’s called a gem!