{"product_id":"sarcococca-winter-gem","title":"Sarcococca ‘Winter Gem’ (Sweet Box)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSarcococca ‘Winter Gem’ (Sweet Box)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSarcococca ‘Winter Gem’ is a compact, evergreen shrub valued for its glossy foliage and highly fragrant winter flowers. It is particularly suited to shaded garden areas where it provides year-round structure and seasonal interest during the cooler months when few other plants are in bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant features dense, dark green leaves with a smooth, slightly pointed shape, forming a neat and refined appearance. In winter, it produces small, creamy-white flowers that are often inconspicuous visually but release a strong, sweet fragrance that carries well through the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSarcococca ‘Winter Gem’ is known for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it ideal for shaded positions such as under trees or along sheltered garden edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts winter flowering period provides both fragrance and interest during a typically quiet season in the garden. The plant’s compact habit and dense foliage allow it to be used effectively in structured planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also low maintenance once established, requiring minimal intervention to maintain its form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowth Habit and Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis variety grows as a low, bushy shrub with a naturally compact and slightly spreading habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt typically reaches around 0.8 to 1.2 metres in height, with a similar spread. Growth is moderate and steady under suitable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrefers shade to partial shade. It performs best in sheltered positions protected from harsh sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWatering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires regular watering during establishment. Once established, it prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate short dry periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater approximately once per week, adjusting based on conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSoil\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrefers well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperature and Climate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable for temperate climates. It tolerates cool conditions well and can handle light frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery low maintenance. Minimal pruning is required, though light trimming can be done to maintain shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilising during the growing season can support healthy foliage, though it is not essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMulching helps retain moisture and improve soil quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Issues\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerally very hardy with few pest or disease problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf yellowing may indicate poor drainage or nutrient deficiency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReduced growth may occur in excessively dry or exposed conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eApplications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSarcococca ‘Winter Gem’ is suitable for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShaded garden areas\u003cbr\u003eUnderplanting beneath trees\u003cbr\u003eGarden borders\u003cbr\u003eCourtyard and sheltered spaces\u003cbr\u003eFragrant garden design\u003cbr\u003eLow-maintenance landscapes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts winter fragrance makes it particularly valuable in areas close to walkways or entrances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecification and Care Chart\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSarcococca sp. ‘Winter Gem’\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter Gem Sweet Box\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvergreen shrub\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.8 m to 1.2 m\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompact, bushy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight Conditions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShade to partial shade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect Sunlight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAvoid strong direct sun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWatering Frequency\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeekly; keep soil moderately moist\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWell-draining, fertile\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrainage Requirement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEssential\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCool to temperate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrost Tolerance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight frost\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHumidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFertiliser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptional light feeding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaintenance Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eToxicity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot commonly regarded as toxic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ – Sarcococca ‘Winter Gem’\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it grow well in shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it is well suited to shaded and low-light garden areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does it flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt flowers in winter, producing highly fragrant blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should it be watered?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWater regularly during establishment, then maintain moderate moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need pruning?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMinimal pruning is required; it naturally maintains a compact shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it frost tolerant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it tolerates light frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does it grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTypically reaches around 0.8 to 1.2 metres in height and spread.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Nurso","offers":[{"title":"140mm","offer_id":51628990955816,"sku":null,"price":18.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200mm","offer_id":51831565582632,"sku":null,"price":27.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/6847\/6200\/files\/cd8b5818-8fb0-412f-a8e0-9c31d04eef1e.png?v=1778985955","url":"https:\/\/www.thenurso.au\/products\/sarcococca-winter-gem","provider":"The Nurso","version":"1.0","type":"link"}