How to prune franklin's gem boxwood

Late spring after new growth hardens off (typically May–June in the Northern Hemisphere); remove dead wood in early spring. Use sharp hand shears to lightly trim outer shoots and shape the mound; cut dead or discolored stems back to healthy wood. Avoid cutting into old, bare wood, as boxwood re-buds slowly from old stems.

Once annually for light shaping; inspect each spring for winter dieback. Franklin's Gem Boxwood is a naturally compact, slow-growing dwarf shrub that holds a tidy mounded form with minimal intervention. Light pruning or shearing to tighten shape is all it needs. Remove any winter-damaged or dead stems in spring. Heavy pruning is rarely necessary and can spoil its naturally dense, rounded habit.

Use sharp hand shears to lightly trim outer shoots and shape the mound; cut dead or discolored stems back to healthy wood. Avoid cutting into old, bare wood, as boxwood re-buds slowly from old stems.