Plant of the month

Also known as the Christmas Box, this dwarf, evergreen shrub forms a neat carpet of glossy green leaves. More commonly used as groundcover, creamy-white flowers appear from November to May, filling the air around with a fragrance of honey-scented vanilla. It is excellent for pollinators so is sure to attract many birds and animals to your garden. Once established, it requires little maintenance and tolerates a wide range of conditions – even difficult spots in dry/shade. A useful plant for borders, shady woodlands and containers, or grown as a low, informal hedge.