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A compact form with red tinted stems and buds. A seedling raised by Peter Moore from the hybrid S. hookeriana var.
digyna 'Purple Stem' x S. hookeriana var. humilis, first released in 2011. Hayloft Plants say: "Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’, also known as Sweet Box, is the perfect plant to grow near a door, seat or window where the fragrance can truly be enjoyed. An evergreen, low-growing, compact shrub that will give interest in your garden all year round. In the depths of winter, the dainty white flowers almost cover the glossy foliage and give a veritable perfume factory of fragrance from December through to March. Spherical, glossy, red berries that mature to black follow. Plant them in decorative pots as a doorstep dressing or alongside a walkway to be greeted with their jasmine-like fragrance in the winter air. This plant truly is a little gem. Bred by Peter Moore at Hillier Nurseries, the incredibly glossy foliage almost seems to have been polished by hand and creates a dense, neat shrub which reaches a maximum height and spread of 1m. Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’ is a trouble-free, easy-going beauty that grows well in sun or partial shade with a preference for well-drained soil of any kind. The website 'Bred by Peter Moore' says: "This new hybrid form (S. hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’ x S. hookeriana var. humilis), has inherited the best qualities of both its parents. It has larger than average leaves, which are a glossy rich green and highly scented white flowers in winter that are followed by spherical, glossy, red berries that ripen to black. Tough and tolerant of most conditions, it is especially valuable for shadier areas. During the winter this amazing glossy evergreen Sarcococca Winter Gem is smothered by highly fragrant honey-scented white flowers; each one emerging from a deep red bud. It is perfect for borders and containers, or as a low fragrant hedge. It is an absolute must-have for your garden bearing its glossy green leaves and beautifully fragrant flowers in the depth of winter when the rest of your garden is dormant. This slow growing plant spreads by suckering shoots gradually forming a low-growing mound of evergreen foliage. The dark green leaves are slightly rippled and the white flowers are eventually replaced by glossy black spherical fruits. It is a very adaptable and reliable shrub that is easily grown in most situations including dense shade with very dry soil. It will also grow in full sun. |
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| 11th February 2014 | ||
