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Sarcococca confusa
tall sarcococca
Western China (exact wild provenance uncertain — collected in cultivation, original locality lost)
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Overview
Sarcococca confusa is tall sarcococca (Christmas box), an upright evergreen shrub growing 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) tall and 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) wide. Tiny white petal-less flowers (white stamen filaments) 0.2 inch (5 mm) in axillary clusters in December-February (8 weeks). Strongly fragrant (sweet, honeyed, vanilla-like — carries 10-15 feet / 3-4.5 m). Glossy black berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) in spring-summer. Glossy dark green elliptic leathery leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). In Buxaceae. Confusa = confused (wild provenance uncertain). The intense winter fragrance is the primary feature. Not drought-tolerant — requires consistent moisture. This is the primary cultural limitation. Contains steroidal alkaloids — toxic. Tolerates deep shade. Deer-resistant. Zones 6-9. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to western China (exact wild provenance uncertain — collected in cultivation, original locality lost).Suggested Uses
Grown near doorways, paths, and seating areas (for winter fragrance), in shade borders, and in containers of at least 7 gallons (26 L), spaced 3-5 feet (90-150 cm). Winter fragrance. Deep shade. All parts toxic. Zones 6-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years
Bloom Information
Winter (December-February). Tiny white petal-less flowers 0.2 inch (5 mm) in axillary clusters. Strongly fragrant (sweet, honeyed, vanilla-like). 8 weeks. Bee-visited (one of the earliest winter nectar sources). Glossy black berries follow in spring-summer.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, tiny, petal-less (the white parts are stamens), 0.2 inch (5 mm), in axillary clusters; December-February; strongly fragrant (sweet, honeyed, vanilla-like — among the most intensely fragrant winter-blooming shrubs; the fragrance carries 10-15 feet / 3-4.5 m); followed by glossy black berries 0.3 inch (8 mm) in spring-summerFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, elliptic with pointed tips, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), leathery, densely arranged on upright stems; evergreen year-roundGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 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
Part shade to full shade (2-4 hours). Moist soil pH 5.5-6.5. Not drought-tolerant — consistent moisture required. Tolerates deep shade. Prune in early spring (March). Contains steroidal alkaloids — toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 6-9.Pruning
Prune in early spring (March) after flowering to shape. Remove oldest stems at the base to encourage fresh growth. The natural upright form requires minimal pruning.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons