Sarcococca Winter Gem

Sarcococca Winter Gem

Why Buy Me?

• Fragrant flowers
• Winter flowering
• Grows well in shade

Growing Conditions

Light:
Partial to full shade. Thrives in deep or dappled shade. Tolerates some morning sun, but protect from hot afternoon sun to avoid leaf scorch.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Avoid heavy, poorly drained, or excessively dry soils.

Exposure:
Best grown in a sheltered location such as near walls, under trees, or in shaded courtyards. Protect from cold, drying winds to preserve winter flowers and foliage.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Tolerates short dry spells once established but prefers evenly moist soil for best growth and flowering.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in early spring or autumn when soil is moist and temperatures are mild.

Spacing:
Space 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) apart depending on mature spread and planting purpose (groundcover or specimen).

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first season. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring with compost or leaf mould to retain moisture and improve soil. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing stems.

Propagation:
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or by division in spring. Seeds may be used but are slow to germinate.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Evergreen foliage remains glossy; berries from winter flowers may persist. New foliage emerges with a fresh green sheen.

Summer:
Dense, dark green leaves maintain structure and provide a lush backdrop in shady borders.

Autumn:
Attractive evergreen presence. Forms a neat, dome-like habit ideal for structural interest as the garden winds down.

Winter:
Highly fragrant, creamy-white flowers appear from December through February. Small and inconspicuous, but intensely sweet-scented. Followed by small, glossy black berries.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Early-blooming flowers provide nectar for pollinators during mild winter spells. Berries are attractive to birds. Dense foliage offers cover and shelter for small wildlife.

Garden Use:
Ideal for shade gardens, woodland borders, low hedging, foundation plantings, and container displays in shaded spots. Its compact, mounded form and fragrance make it excellent near paths, doors, or seating areas.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with shade-tolerant plants like Helleborus, Ferns, Heuchera, Pulmonaria, Tiarella, and spring-flowering bulbs such as Galanthus and Narcissus. Also complements evergreen structure from Skimmia and Daphne.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Sarcococca Winter Gem .It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.