Sarcococca hookeriana

Sarcococca hookeriana is an evergreen shrub that is highly decorative and produces fragrant flowers in winter.

Originating from western China, Sarcococca hookeriana grows in thickets and humid mountain forests, forming bushy clumps that reach 80cm (32in) to 1m (3ft) in height.

It has glossy, persistent leaves that are 5 to 8cm (2 to 3in) long and 2cm (1in) wide, with a dark green colour. From December to March, it produces inflorescences with both male and female flowers, making it a monoecious shrub. While the female flowers are very nondescript, the male petal-less flowers reveal large white stamens with bright yellow anthers.

The flowers are only 3 to 5 mm (1in) long but emit a powerful fragrance that can be smelled for a large distance around the plant. In summer, small fleshy berries, less than 1cm (1in) in diameter, appear. These fruits turn black at the end of the season and can coexist with the flowers.

This hardy shrub grows slowly and spreads with age through underground suckers. It can be cultivated in flower beds, undergrowth, low hedges, or ground covers. It can even be planted in pots.

Plant Sarcococca hookeriana in a moist, acidic, and humus-rich soil. It is perfect for undergrowth alongside ferns, skimmias, aucubas, or azaleas.

Sarcococca hookeriana was named in honour of Joseph Dalton Hooker and William Jackson Hooker, two distinguished botanists who were also directors of the Kew Botanical Garden.