Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna 'Purple Stem'
sweet box
- 2 litre pot
- £24.99
- available to order from summer
- 3 × 2 litre pots
- £55.99 £18.66 each
- available to order from summer
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: partial to deep shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: slow to average
- Flowering period: December to March
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna 'Purple Stem' is a suckering, evergreen shrub that gradually forms a dense thicket. The new shoots are flushed with an attractive dark purple-pink hue which gradually fades as the stems mature. The stems are clothed with slender, tapering, dark green leaves and in winter sweetly scented, pink-tinged, white flowers appear, which are followed by rounded blue-black fruit.
Plant Sarcococca in moist, well-drained soil enriched with well-rotted compost. It thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shady borders, woodland gardens, or underplanting trees and shrubs. When planting, incorporate mycorrhizal fungi to promote strong root development and water well until established.
In late winter or early spring, lightly trim or prune back misplaced, leggy, or damaged shoots to maintain a neat, compact shape. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flowering the following year. After pruning, apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of organic matter, such as well-rotted compost or leaf mould, around the base to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.
While sweet box is drought-tolerant once established, occasional deep watering in prolonged dry spells will encourage lush growth and abundant, highly fragrant flowers.
In late winter or early spring, lightly trim or prune back misplaced, leggy, or damaged shoots to maintain a neat, compact shape. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flowering the following year. After pruning, apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of organic matter, such as well-rotted compost or leaf mould, around the base to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.
While sweet box is drought-tolerant once established, occasional deep watering in prolonged dry spells will encourage lush growth and abundant, highly fragrant flowers.
- Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten
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