SARCOCOCCA Hookeriana WINTER GEM

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Sarcococca ‘Winter Gem’ thrives in partial to full shade, making it a perfect choice for shady corners, north-facing walls, or underplanting beneath trees and shrubs. It can tolerate some morning sun but avoids harsh afternoon exposure.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types including clay, loam, and chalk, provided drainage is adequate.

• Moisture Needs: Requires consistent moisture, especially during the first year while establishing. Once mature, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from watering during dry spells.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn to allow for root establishment before the onset of summer heat or winter frosts.

• Spacing: Space plants approximately 2 to 3 feet apart if planting in groups or for a low hedge, allowing for airflow and eventual spread.

• Positioning Tips: Ideal for courtyard gardens, shady borders, understorey plantings, and near walkways, where its winter fragrance can be appreciated up close.

Maintenance, Feeding, and Seasonal Care

• Watering: Water regularly during the first season. Once established, only water during extended dry periods. Avoid overwatering or planting in soggy areas, as it dislikes standing water.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth. A top-dressing of compost or well-rotted manure annually will also benefit long-term soil health.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-inch mulch layer around the base in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch slightly away from the base of the stems.

• Pruning and Shaping: Minimal pruning is required. Trim lightly after flowering to shape or remove any dead or damaged stems. It can be clipped as a small informal hedge or left to grow naturally.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free and disease-resistant. Rarely affected by aphids or root rot if properly drained. Excellent low-maintenance shrub.

• Cold Hardiness: Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9 (UK H5), tolerating temperatures down to around -15°C (5°F). In exposed gardens, young plants may benefit from some winter protection.

Ornamental Features and Seasonal Interest

• Foliage: Features narrow, lance-shaped, glossy green leaves that provide year-round interest. The evergreen foliage stays neat and dense even through winter, making it a valuable structural shrub.

• Flowers: In mid to late winter, it produces tiny, creamy-white, tubular flowers tucked into leaf axils. Though small, they are highly fragrant, filling the garden with a sweet scent often compared to vanilla or honey.

• Berries: After flowering, plants may produce small, shiny black berries that persist into spring. These add an additional ornamental element and are mildly attractive to birds.

• Growth Habit and Size: Grows slowly to form a dense, rounded mound reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and slightly wider over time. Excellent for ground cover or as a low foundation plant.

• Design Uses: Perfect for shade gardens, winter interest beds, or foundation planting. Pairs well with hellebores, ferns, snowdrops, and evergreen ferns. Also useful in containers near doors or entrances.

• Scent Appeal: One of its standout qualities is its intense winter fragrance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or near entrances where the scent can be enjoyed on mild winter days.

• 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.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.