Sarcococca hookeriana Purple Gem

Sarcococca hookeriana 'Purple Gem' is a beautiful improvement on the Purple Stem cultivar, surpassing it in terms of floribundity, as well as having a more compact habit and denser foliage. 'Purple Gem' also develops a more robust root system, allowing it to adapt easily to any well-drained soil. It is a small, undemanding bush that thrives in dry, shady corners of the garden, as well as in containers, mixed borders, or as part of a small informal hedge. If it establishes itself among the roots of trees, slowly but surely. It will be more beautiful in fertile, slightly acidic soil that remains moist.

Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna Purple Gem is a recent Dutch cultivar. Its wild ancestor, Hooker's sweetbox, is a branching rhizomatous shrub belonging to the buxus family, a close relative of the boxwood. This species is native to western China and the Himalayas and is commonly found in the evergreen forests of these regions. The 'Purple Gem' variety forms a small, dense bush with a compact habit and initially purple, then brown, arching stems, reaching approximately 75 cm (30in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width at 10 years old. It will grow to about 1 m (3ft) in height and 80 cm (32in) in width over many years, as its growth is slow. Its dark green and glossy foliage is evergreen and has a leathery texture. The leaves are entire, lanceolate-oblong, and elongated, measuring 6-9 cm (2-4in) in length. The flowers are surrounded by pinkish-purple bracts and sometimes appear as early as the end of January, alongside the black fruits, creating a beautiful contrast. They appear in short axillary clusters along the branches and measure no more than 3 to 5 mm (1in) in length, petal-less with well-developed yellow-green stamens. This pleasantly scented flowering lasts for about 2 months, from February to April, depending on the climate.

This Purple Gem sarcococca offers delightfully scented flowers and elegant foliage during a period of the year often lacking in flowers and fragrance. While it grows slowly, like dwarf conifers, it knows how to blend into the background during the summer, but effectively structures small spaces in winter and requires little maintenance. It has the advantage of bringing a touch of spring to the garden throughout the winter season, just like mahonias and nandinas that can accompany it. It can be grown in borders, woodland areas, low hedges, or as ground cover. It only dislikes excessively chalky soils and can compete with tree roots. It pairs well with ferns, witch hazels, skimmias, aucubas, or Japanese azaleas. It can even be grown in a large pot.