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Cottagekaren's Garden

Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem'

Position: partial shade
Soil: moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
Rate of growth: slow-growing
Flowering period: late winter and early spring
Hardiness: fully hardy

A new hybrid form (S. hookeriana var. digyna 'Purple Stem' x S. hookeriana var. humilis), which 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.

Garden care: If necessary after flowering lightly trim or prune back shoots that spoil the plant's symmetry. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost around the base of the plant.

Photos of this plant