Sarcococca ‘Winter Gem’

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’ brings rich winter fragrance to the garden, pairing glossy, dark green evergreen foliage with small white flowers that open from deep red buds. Commonly known as sweet box or winter box, this compact shrub is a lovely choice for shady borders, sheltered courtyards and outdoor containers near a doorway, where its sweet scent can be enjoyed as you pass.

Supplied in a 17cm diameter nursery pot at approximately 40cm tall, ‘Winter Gem’ offers year-round greenery with an extra reason to step outside during the colder months.

What Makes ‘Winter Gem’ Different?

Bred by Peter Moore, ‘Winter Gem’ combines larger-than-average glossy leaves with a well-branched, bushy habit. Its compact growth makes it particularly useful in smaller gardens, where evergreen structure needs to earn its space.

The flowers are small but wonderfully fragrant, appearing in winter into early spring, with timing varying according to the weather and growing conditions. Glossy berries may follow, changing from red to black as they ripen.

Position & Light

Choose a partially shaded or fully shaded outdoor position, sheltered from drying winds. ‘Winter Gem’ is particularly useful for bringing foliage and fragrance to areas that receive little direct sunshine.

It can tolerate a sunnier position if the soil stays sufficiently moist, but avoid hot, dry spots where the roots are likely to dry out.

Watering

Water regularly during dry spells for the first couple of growing seasons, keeping the root area moist without making it waterlogged. Once established in the ground, it tolerates dry shade, although prolonged drought may still call for additional watering.

Plants in containers need ongoing checks throughout the year. Water when the compost begins to dry, allowing excess water to drain freely.

Soil & Repotting

Plant in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. ‘Winter Gem’ tolerates acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions, so specialist ericaceous compost is not required.

For containers, choose a peat-free, loam-based compost suitable for permanent shrubs, such as a peat-free John Innes No. 3 formulation. Move into a larger pot as the root system develops, ensuring the container has drainage holes.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring if growth needs a boost, following the product instructions. Container-grown plants benefit particularly from spring feeding as nutrients in the compost become depleted.

A mulch of well-rotted garden compost helps retain moisture and improve the soil around garden plants. Keep the mulch clear of the stems.

Pruning & Care

‘Winter Gem’ needs little routine pruning. If you need to tidy its shape or reduce its size, trim after flowering in spring.

It can gradually spread through shoots arising from the base, forming a fuller clump over time. Allow room for this when planting alongside smaller plants.

Growing in Containers

Its compact, evergreen habit makes ‘Winter Gem’ a beautiful permanent feature for a shady patio or sheltered doorstep. Position it somewhere you pass regularly to make the most of its winter perfume.

Use a container with room for root growth and keep drainage holes clear. Avoid leaving it standing in a water-filled saucer, particularly during wet winter weather.

Growing in the Garden

Use ‘Winter Gem’ towards the front of a shady border, in woodland-style planting or repeated along a path as a low, informal evergreen hedge. Ferns and hellebores make lovely companions for its glossy foliage.

Spring and autumn are good planting times. Plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot, water thoroughly and mulch around the root area. Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground.

Hardiness & Winter Care

‘Winter Gem’ has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, making it hardy through most UK winters when suitably planted. A sheltered position is preferable, especially where cold, drying winds are a problem.

Why You'll Love It

• Beautifully scented flowers in winter and early spring
• Deep red buds opening to small white flowers
• Glossy, dark green evergreen foliage
• Compact, well-branched growth for smaller spaces
• Thrives in partial or full shade
• Suitable for permanent outdoor pots and garden borders
• Low-maintenance shrub requiring little pruning
• Suitable for UK-wide delivery

Pet & Child Safety

The berries are ornamental and must not be eaten. Keep them away from pets and young children, and discourage chewing or eating any part of the plant. Wear gloves when pruning or handling.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Sarcococca hookeriana Winter Gem (‘Pmoore03’)
Common Name: Sweet Box / Winter Box / Christmas Box
Family: Buxaceae
Nursery Pot Size: 17cm diameter
Approximate Supplied Height: Around 40cm
Eventual Height & Spread: Approximately 0.5–1m, depending on conditions
Flower Colour: White, opening from deep red buds
Foliage Colour: Glossy dark green
Flowering Interest: Winter to early spring
Fragrance: Strong, sweetly scented flowers
Growth Habit: Compact, bushy and gradually spreading
Position: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Humus-rich, moist but well-drained; acidic, neutral or alkaline
Hardiness: RHS H5
Plant Type: Evergreen outdoor shrub

UK Delivery

This plant is suitable for UK-wide delivery, as well as collection from our Edinburgh shop and local hand delivery within Edinburgh.

Please note: As this is a living plant, foliage, height and shape will naturally vary. Flowers and berries are seasonal and may not be present when your plant arrives. Decorative pots shown in photos are not included. This plant is supplied in a plastic nursery pot.