Sarcococca hookeriana 'PURPLE STEM'

Sweet box is an Asian taxon of low to mid-sized, evergreen shrubs native to a large area from Afghanistan to the Himalayas and N.E. China. It is from the same family as box plant and even though they were supposed to be tender for C.E. climate, the fact than some species are present at the foot of the Himalayas encourages the breeders from colder areas to spend more time on their hybridizing.

Purple Stem is a Himalayan sweet box variety renowned for rich maroon stems in late winter and spring. They also may (but may not) turn purplish blue in autumn just like young stems of some blue hollies. It boasts highly glossy, evergreen, narrowly lance-shaped, dark green foliage. In autumn are formed small flower buds which open during a warmer period of mid to late winder and early spring. Flowers are small, white, tinged pink, extremely fragrant, and if pollinated they are followed by dark red to almost black, spherical, glossy, inedible nit not poisonous fruit.

Sweet box usually does not need pruning but may be gently sheared immediately after flowering. It spreads by suckers to form dense colonies unless the ground is covered with mulching sheets. If you want to grow it in full sun (not recommended) provide regular watering and get ready for some burnt tops after harsh winters. Purple Stem variety was awarded AGM by RHS for beauty and durability.

Sweet box is commonly used as a ground cover or filler in semi-shaded or shaded locations where it is protected from strong winter sunlight and cutting winds. It will grow in almost any well-drained soil but performs best in acidic to neutral, humus-rich, evenly moist soil. It thrives on neglect and once established it requires no care. Mulching helps retain moisture and reduces temperature swings in winter. It is hardy to min. -23°C (USDA zone 6) and is under further trials in colder zones.

Last update 28-01-2021