Winter Gem Sweet Box

Low-spreading evergreen groundcover shrub with glossy dark green leaves and intensely fragrant small white flowers in late winter — one of the most powerfully scented plants for shaded winter gardens. (Sarcococca humilis 'Winter Gem')

$62.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Sarcococca ‘Winter Gem’ brings year-round beauty with glossy evergreen foliage and delightfully fragrant white blooms in late winter, followed by shiny black berries. Compact, shade-loving, and low-maintenance, it’s the perfect choice for entrances, courtyards, and shaded gardens.

In stock (196)

Payment & Security

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Growing Information

Growing zone guide

Growing Zone Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunlight Partial shade to full shade

Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral

Mature Height 2 to 3 ft.

Maintenance Level Low maintenance

Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information

Growth Rate	Slow to moderate. Typically grows 2–3 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide, forming a spreading mound.
Colorful Leaves	No
Flowering	Yes
Bloom Color	White
Ornamental Berries	Black berries
Disease resistant	Yes
Cold Tolerant	Yes
Heat Tolerant	No
Drought Tolerant	No
Deer Resistant	Yes
Edible	No
Wildlife Attraction	Fragrant flowers attract early-season pollinators such as bees. Berries may be eaten by birds.
Self-pollinating	Cross-pollinating
Seasonality	Winter–early spring: fragrant blooms provide seasonal highlight. Spring–summer: glossy evergreen foliage adds structure. Fall–winter: ornamental berries may persist after flowering.
Ideal For	– Shade gardens, winter-interest plantings, foundation beds, underplanting for trees/shrubs, courtyard and entryway plantings where fragrance can be enjoyed
Leaf Description	Evergreen foliage; leathery, glossy, dark green leaves. Narrow, elliptic, and arranged alternately, creating a dense, lush texture year-round.
Flower Description	Small, creamy-white, tubular flowers. Highly fragrant, often described as vanilla or honey-scented. Blooms in late winter to early spring, when little else is in flower.
Pruning & Maintenance	Minimal; naturally forms a dense, mounded shrub. Prune lightly after flowering if shape needs tidying. Remove damaged or crossing stems any time.
Water Needs	Keep evenly moist, especially in the first two years after planting. Drought tolerant once established, but best with consistent moisture. Avoid waterlogged soils.
Light Needs	Best in partial to full shade; tolerates deep shade. Can adapt to morning sun but avoid hot afternoon sun, which may scorch leaves.
Harvesting	Not grown for harvest; primarily ornamental. Flowers may be cut in small sprigs for indoor fragrance, though short-lived.
Fertilizing	Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring. Benefit from an annual top-dressing of compost or leaf mold. Avoid excessive fertilization, which encourages lush growth at expense of flowers.
Additional Care Tips	N/A
Pollination	Insect-pollinated; flowers are highly fragrant and attract early pollinators. Produces glossy black berries after pollination.
Companion Plants	Pair with other shade lovers like Hosta, Ferns, Heuchera, Epimedium, and Pulmonaria. Combine with evergreen shrubs such as Mahonia, Daphne, and Skimmia for winter interest. Works well with spring-flowering bulbs (Snowdrops, Crocus, Hellebores) to extend seasonal display. Great underplanting for deciduous trees and larger shrubs.