SARCOCOCCA HOOK. PURPLE GEM

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’ – A Delightful Evergreen for Year-Round Interest and Fragrance

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem,’ also known as Sweet Box or Christmas Box, is an evergreen shrub cherished for its attractive dark green foliage, compact growth habit, and incredible fragrance. This hardy shrub is a standout in the winter garden, producing clusters of small, highly scented white flowers from late winter to early spring. These flowers are followed by striking purple berries, which add additional interest and provide food for birds.

The dense, low-growing nature of ‘Purple Gem’ makes it a fantastic choice for groundcover, borders, or containers. Its tolerance of shade and ease of care make it especially valuable for areas in the garden that receive little direct sunlight, such as under trees or in shaded corners. Perfect for small gardens or patio areas, Sarcococca ‘Purple Gem’ is a reliable performer that will bring beauty, fragrance, and wildlife to your outdoor space all year round.

Key Features of Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’ is a must-have for any garden due to its low maintenance, year-round greenery, and winter-blooming flowers. It thrives in difficult areas like shaded garden spots and offers seasonal interest from both its flowers and berries. Here are some of the key features that make this plant so special:

• Winter Flowering: From late winter to early spring, ‘Purple Gem’ produces small, fragrant white flowers that stand out against its dark green foliage, offering a delightful scent during the colder months.
• Evergreen Foliage: This compact shrub has glossy, lance-shaped dark green leaves that stay vibrant throughout the year, adding structure and texture to any garden bed or container.
• Purple Berries: Following the flowers, purple-black berries form, adding a pop of colour and attracting birds to the garden.
• Compact Growth Habit: With its low-growing, dense form, ‘Purple Gem’ is ideal for use as groundcover, in borders, or even as a low hedge.
• Shade Tolerant: One of the most attractive aspects of Sarcococca ‘Purple Gem’ is its ability to thrive in shaded or partially shaded areas, making it an invaluable plant for tricky garden spots.

Growing Conditions and Size

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’ is a versatile and adaptable shrub that performs best in shaded or partially shaded locations. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It’s perfect for planting under trees, along shaded walkways, or as groundcover in low-light areas.

• Position: Prefers partial to full shade.
• Soil Type: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
• Height: 30-60 cm (1-2 feet) at maturity.
• Spread: 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) at maturity.

Its compact size and slow growth make it a great option for smaller gardens, containers, or as a border plant.

Maintenance Tips for Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’ is a low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal care to thrive. Its resilience, combined with its tolerance for shade and adaptability to various soil types, makes it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Follow these simple care tips to keep your Sarcococca ‘Purple Gem’ healthy and vibrant:

• Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Lightly trim any damaged or unruly branches in early spring after flowering to maintain a neat shape. This shrub’s compact growth habit naturally limits the need for heavy pruning.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first year after planting to help establish a strong root system. Once established, ‘Purple Gem’ is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality. Organic mulches, such as compost or well-rotted manure, are ideal.
• Fertilising: Sarcococca ‘Purple Gem’ doesn’t require much feeding but will benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertiliser applied in spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: This hardy shrub is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, though it can occasionally suffer from issues like root rot if planted in waterlogged soil. Ensure good drainage to prevent this.

With minimal care and attention, Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’ will provide year-round interest with its glossy foliage, fragrant flowers, and colourful berries.

Ideal for Shade Gardens, Groundcover, and Containers

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’ is an excellent addition to any garden, particularly those with shaded areas where other plants might struggle. Its ability to thrive in low-light conditions makes it ideal for underplanting trees or adding greenery to north-facing borders and shaded garden beds. Its low, spreading habit also makes it an attractive option for groundcover, as it can create a dense, evergreen carpet that remains vibrant year-round.

In smaller gardens, ‘Purple Gem’ works well in containers or along paths, where its fragrance can be enjoyed up close. The compact growth habit ensures that it doesn’t outgrow its space, while the combination of winter flowers and autumn berries provides ongoing seasonal interest.

Whether you’re looking to brighten up a shaded area, create a low-maintenance border, or add a fragrant shrub to your patio, Sarcococca ‘Purple Gem’ is a versatile and reliable choice. Its evergreen foliage, delicate winter flowers, and shade tolerance make it an invaluable plant for adding structure, texture, and beauty to your garden throughout the year.

Why Choose Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’?

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’ is the perfect plant for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet attractive shrub for shaded areas. Its compact size, fragrant blooms, and striking berries make it a standout feature in any garden, while its evergreen foliage ensures year-round interest. As a hardy, resilient shrub, it is ideal for those looking to add beauty and fragrance without the need for intensive care.

This easy-to-grow shrub is perfect for gardeners of all skill levels and offers versatility in a range of planting schemes. Add Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’ to your garden today and enjoy its stunning foliage, delightful fragrance, and low-maintenance charm for years to come

• Size
  1.5lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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