Sarcococca humilis 'Winter Gem'

Fragrant flowers attract early-season pollinators such as bees.

Berries may be eaten by birds.

Winter–early spring: fragrant blooms provide seasonal highlight.

Spring–summer: glossy evergreen foliage adds structure.

Fall–winter: ornamental berries may persist after flowering.

– Shade gardens, winter-interest plantings, foundation beds, underplanting for trees/shrubs, courtyard and entryway plantings where fragrance can be enjoyed

Evergreen foliage; leathery, glossy, dark green leaves.

Narrow, elliptic, and arranged alternately, creating a dense, lush texture year-round.

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.

Plant in spring or fall when soil is workable.

Choose a site with rich, moist, well-drained soil; thrives in shaded positions.

Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth as the crown.

Backfill with native soil mixed with organic matter such as compost or leaf mold.

Water deeply after planting and mulch with 2–3" of organic matter, keeping mulch away from the crown.

Minimal; naturally forms a dense, mounded shrub.

Prune lightly after flowering if shape needs tidying.

Remove damaged or crossing stems any time.

Keep evenly moist, especially in the first two years after planting.

Drought tolerant once established, but best with consistent moisture.

Avoid waterlogged soils.

Best in partial to full shade; tolerates deep shade.

Can adapt to morning sun but avoid hot afternoon sun, which may scorch leaves.

Not grown for harvest; primarily ornamental.

Flowers may be cut in small sprigs for indoor fragrance, though short-lived.

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.

Insect-pollinated; flowers are highly fragrant and attract early pollinators.

Produces glossy black berries after pollination.

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.