Sweet Box 'Purple Stem'

Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna 'Purple Stem' is a sophisticated evergreen shrub that is essential for a winter-fragrance garden. It is characterized by its elegant, narrow, lance-shaped leaves and its namesake: the distinctive purplish-pink tint to its young stems. In the middle of winter, tiny, inconspicuous white flowers with creamy-white stamens appear in the leaf axils. While the flowers are small, their sweet, vanilla-like fragrance is incredibly potent, scenting the garden for several metres. These are followed by round, blue-black berries. This shrub has a neat, suckering but non-invasive habit and is exceptionally shade-tolerant, making it perfect for those difficult dark corners or for planting under trees. It is hardy (H5) and prefers moist, humus-rich soil. It is very low-maintenance and requires little to no pruning. Plant it near a walkway or door where the winter scent can be fully appreciated. It is a tough, reliable performer that looks good year-round.

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, organic-rich soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Dec, Jan, Feb.