Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna 'Purple Stem'

Description: An evergreen, rhizomatous, thicket-forming, suckering, compact shrub with lance-shaped to oblong, mid to dark green leaves and flushed dark purple-pink young shoots. Pink-tinged flowers. The scent from the fairly insignificant flowers is sweet and strong. May produce black berries after flowering.

Uses: As with all sarcococca they are ideal for a shady spot and good for use as ground cover and woodland plants. Good for any border, large or small and good when planted in groups as they are then more likely to produce berries. Plant near a pathway, so the scent can be appreciated in the winter months.

Climate/Position: Can be grown in shade or partial shade.

Height/Spread: 1.5 metres x 2 metres.

Soil Requirements: Can be grown in acid or alkaline soil, although there is a preference for slightly acidic soil.

Pruning: No pruning required.

Special Requirements: A suckering shrub, so may spread over time.

Additional Interest: Sarcococca are all monoecious meaning that male and female flowers are carried separately, but on the same plant. The name is derived from the Greek words sarkos meaning flesh, andkokkos meaning a berry, a reference to the fleshy fruits of the plant. This variety was named in honour of either Sir William Jackson Hooker or his son Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, both of whom were botanists and Directors of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.