Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Stem’ – A Fragrant Winter Gem

The Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Stem’, also known as the Sweet Box, is a superb evergreen shrub grown for its glossy foliage, richly coloured young stems, and beautifully scented winter flowers. Blooming in the depths of winter, it produces small clusters of creamy-white flowers flushed with pink, filling the garden with a sweet, honey-like fragrance when little else is in bloom.

As the name suggests, this variety is especially eye-catching for its striking purple-red young stems, which contrast attractively with the dark green leaves. Compact, hardy, and shade-loving, it’s perfect for smaller gardens, shady borders, woodland planting, or containers placed near a doorway or path where its winter fragrance can be appreciated up close.

General Information

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Stem’ is a member of the box family (Buxaceae), native to the Himalayas, and prized for its ornamental stems and winter performance.

• Habit: Compact, bushy evergreen shrub with upright stems.

• Height & spread: Reaches 1–1.5m tall and wide, forming a rounded, dense shrub.

• Foliage: Glossy, lance-shaped dark green leaves provide year-round colour.

• Stems: Young growth flushed with purple-red, giving extra seasonal interest.

• Flowers: Clusters of creamy-white to pinkish flowers in January–March, strongly fragrant.

• Fruit: Sometimes followed by small black berries in late summer.

• Position: Thrives in partial to deep shade; excellent under trees or in north-facing gardens.

• Soil: Prefers fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; dislikes waterlogging.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland, tolerating frost and cold winters.

• Uses: Perfect for shady borders, woodland planting, containers, or near entrances where its scent can be enjoyed.

Its combination of evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers, and coloured stems make it one of the most decorative Sarcococca varieties.

Care Guide

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Stem’ is an easy-to-grow shrub that thrives with little attention once established.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in autumn or spring, though container plants can be planted year-round if the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; space 1–1.2m apart for group plantings.

• Preparation: Enrich soil with compost or leaf mould before planting.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly in the first year to establish roots.

• Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture.

• Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser or apply an annual mulch of compost to keep growth healthy.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Requires minimal pruning; simply remove dead or damaged stems in early spring.

• Lightly trim after flowering if necessary to maintain shape.

• Mulch annually with leaf mould or compost to conserve soil moisture and encourage lush growth.

Protection

• Fully hardy, requiring no winter protection in most areas.

• Shelter from strong, drying winds to prevent leaf scorch.

• Generally pest- and disease-free, making it very low-maintenance.

Why Choose Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Stem’?

This winter-flowering evergreen shrub adds beauty, fragrance, and elegance to gardens all year round.

• Winter fragrance: Sweetly scented flowers in the coldest months.

• Attractive stems: Purple-red young stems add seasonal colour.

• Evergreen foliage: Glossy leaves provide structure throughout the year.

• Shade-loving: Perfect for tricky, low-light areas of the garden.

• Compact habit: Ideal for borders, woodland gardens, or containers.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, resilient, and easy to care for.

The Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Stem’ is a fragrant winter treasure, combining colourful stems, evergreen foliage, and delightful scent. Whether planted in borders, shaded corners, or pots by a doorway, it ensures year-round charm and a welcome burst of perfume just when the garden needs it most.

• Size
  3 lt

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

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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.
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