This is a tough evergreen that packs a punch with its scent.

Just one sprig brought into the house on a chill winters day will transform a room with its sweet vanilla-like perfume. But its flowers aren’t showy, just tiny, inconspicuous white blooms nestling next to the stem. The flowers are followed by red and black berries that remain on the plant throughout the year. The leaves are glossy and dark green in colour.

I planted one in front of my bay window near the front door almost twenty years ago. The open arched porch seems to capture the scent so that visitors turn to see where its wafting from. Expecting something showy and glamorous, they’re surprised when I show them this little diminutive evergreen. It’ll start flowering later this month and is at its best in January.

My shrub is about 75cm high and wide, so this is a slow growing plant. It gets a light prune in spring when I remove any twiggy growth and just tidy up its shape. After that it gets a top dressing of garden compost to give it a little treat. Situated in part shade, facing east, it has always been easy going and is not susceptible to disease or pests. It can be excused its rather plain appearance for all these plus points – evergreen, scented flowers in mid winter, berries, shade tolerant, hardy to about -15c and disease free. What not to like?