Sarcococca spp.
sweet box
Himalayas, China, and Southeast Asia
Overview
Sarcococca spp. is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the box family (Buxaceae), native to shaded forests of the Himalayas, China, and Southeast Asia. Plants form dense, slowly spreading clumps and thickets 1-6 ft (0.3-1.8 m) tall, with glossy, dark green, pointed leaves 1-3 in (2.5-8 cm) long on green stems. In winter and early spring, small clusters of petalless white flowers open along the stems, modest in size but strongly and sweetly scented, carrying their fragrance well beyond the plant. The flowers are followed by round, glossy black or red berries 0.2-0.3 in (5-8 mm) across. The genus grows in part to deep shade on moist, humus-rich soils and spreads gently by suckers to form a groundcover or low hedge. It tolerates dry shade once established but grows slowly in poor, dry sites. The berries are mildly toxic if eaten.
Native Range
Sarcococca spp. is native to the Himalayas, southern and central China, and Southeast Asia, extending to parts of Malesia. Plants grow as understorey shrubs in moist, shaded mountain and lowland forests.Suggested Uses
Grown as a shade groundcover, low hedge, and edging in woodland and shaded town gardens, and near paths and doorways where the winter scent carries. It is also used in containers and as underplanting beneath trees and taller shrubs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 6'
Width/Spread2' - 8'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Sarcococca spp. grows in part to deep shade on moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils and tolerates dry shade and chalky ground once established. A soil pH near 6.0-7.5 is suitable. The genus is slow-growing, spreading gradually by suckers to form a low thicket, and needs little attention once settled. Full sun and dry, exposed sites cause leaf yellowing and scorch. Steady moisture and shelter support dense foliage and strong scent.Pruning
Trim lightly after flowering to shape plants or maintain a low hedge, cutting within the leafy growth. Overgrown clumps are renewed by removing the oldest stems at the base, and spreading suckers are cut away to limit the clump.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons