{"product_id":"sarcococca-hookeriana-winter-gem","title":"Sarcococca ‘Winter Gem’","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003esweet box or winter box\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSupplied in a \u003cstrong\u003e17cm diameter nursery pot\u003c\/strong\u003e at approximately \u003cstrong\u003e40cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e, ‘Winter Gem’ offers year-round greenery with an extra reason to step outside during the colder months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Makes ‘Winter Gem’ Different?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBred by Peter Moore, ‘Winter Gem’ combines \u003cstrong\u003elarger-than-average glossy leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e with a well-branched, bushy habit. Its compact growth makes it particularly useful in smaller gardens, where evergreen structure needs to earn its space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are small but wonderfully fragrant, appearing in \u003cstrong\u003ewinter into early spring\u003c\/strong\u003e, with timing varying according to the weather and growing conditions. Glossy berries may follow, changing from red to black as they ripen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePosition \u0026amp; Light\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a \u003cstrong\u003epartially shaded or fully shaded outdoor position\u003c\/strong\u003e, sheltered from drying winds. ‘Winter Gem’ is particularly useful for bringing foliage and fragrance to areas that receive little direct sunshine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt can tolerate a sunnier position if the soil stays sufficiently moist, but avoid hot, dry spots where the roots are likely to dry out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWatering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater regularly during dry spells for the \u003cstrong\u003efirst couple of growing seasons\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlants in containers need ongoing checks throughout the year. Water when the compost begins to dry, allowing excess water to drain freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSoil \u0026amp; Repotting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in \u003cstrong\u003ehumus-rich, moist but well-drained soil\u003c\/strong\u003e. ‘Winter Gem’ tolerates acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions, so specialist ericaceous compost is not required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor containers, choose a \u003cstrong\u003epeat-free, loam-based compost suitable for permanent shrubs\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApply a \u003cstrong\u003ebalanced fertiliser in spring\u003c\/strong\u003e if growth needs a boost, following the product instructions. Container-grown plants benefit particularly from spring feeding as nutrients in the compost become depleted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA mulch of well-rotted garden compost helps retain moisture and improve the soil around garden plants. Keep the mulch clear of the stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePruning \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Winter Gem’ needs \u003cstrong\u003elittle routine pruning\u003c\/strong\u003e. If you need to tidy its shape or reduce its size, trim after flowering in spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt can gradually spread through shoots arising from the base, forming a fuller clump over time. Allow room for this when planting alongside smaller plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing in Containers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts compact, evergreen habit makes ‘Winter Gem’ a beautiful permanent feature for a \u003cstrong\u003eshady patio or sheltered doorstep\u003c\/strong\u003e. Position it somewhere you pass regularly to make the most of its winter perfume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUse 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing in the Garden\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse ‘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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSpring 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Winter Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Winter Gem’ has an \u003cstrong\u003eRHS hardiness rating of H5\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it hardy through most UK winters when suitably planted. A sheltered position is preferable, especially where cold, drying winds are a problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautifully scented flowers in winter and early spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeep red buds opening to small white flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGlossy, dark green evergreen foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact, well-branched growth for smaller spaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThrives in partial or full shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for permanent outdoor pots and garden borders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow-maintenance shrub requiring little pruning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for UK-wide delivery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePet \u0026amp; Child Safety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe berries are \u003cstrong\u003eornamental and must not be eaten\u003c\/strong\u003e. Keep them away from pets and young children, and discourage chewing or eating any part of the plant. Wear gloves when pruning or handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sarcococca hookeriana Winter Gem (‘Pmoore03’)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet Box \/ Winter Box \/ Christmas Box\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Buxaceae\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNursery Pot Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17cm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Supplied Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e Around 40cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEventual Height \u0026amp; Spread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 0.5–1m, depending on conditions\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e White, opening from deep red buds\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage Colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glossy dark green\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Winter to early spring\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragrance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong, sweetly scented flowers\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compact, bushy and gradually spreading\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Partial shade to full shade\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Humus-rich, moist but well-drained; acidic, neutral or alkaline\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e RHS H5\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen outdoor shrub\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eUK Delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plant is suitable for \u003cstrong\u003eUK-wide delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, as well as collection from our Edinburgh shop and local hand delivery within Edinburgh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"grow urban","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58870251028861,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0509\/1193\/6720\/files\/IMG_3133_bb437760-4c86-449a-b4ec-8441b0cee8dc.jpg?v=1791561337","url":"https:\/\/growurban.uk\/products\/sarcococca-hookeriana-winter-gem","provider":"grow urban.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}