Sarcococca wallichii is the most prominent of the species that is grown in the garden here and is an ideal plant to celebrate for Christmas 2025. Growing up to head height the starry white scented flowers are great for a whiff as the clump is right next to the path in a shady spot. It is quite the all rounder with glossy narrow leaves and shiny black fruit which start to develop while the plant is still flowering as can be seen here.

Native to medium elevations in The Central Himalaya it has been hardy outside here for over 20 years. The seed for this plant came from Nepal via Alan Jellyman who did so much to improve public parks in New Zealand especially in the Taranaki region. The winter display doesn’t last long if cut and brought inside while in flower but when the flowers are immature they will open inside and scent a whole room.

Happy Christmas one and all; it doesn’t look like any snow for us over the festive this year but with the weather pattern shifting to the east January looks as if it will initially be a bit colder at least…..