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Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis humilis
low sarcococca
Himalayas and western China (4,000-9,000 ft / 1,200-2,700 m elevation)Learn more
Overview
A low-growing, suckering evergreen shrub reaching 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and spreading 24-48 inches (60-120 cm) wide by underground stolons. Stems are green, slender, and upright to slightly arching. Leaves are alternate, narrowly elliptic to lance-shaped, 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long and 0.3-0.6 inch (0.8-1.5 cm) wide, glossy dark green, with a leathery texture and tapering to a point. Flowers are small, 0.2 inch (5 mm), white to pinkish, lacking petals, and borne in clusters in the leaf axils from January through March. Fragrance is intense and sweet with vanilla undertones, detectable from 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) in still air. Fruit is a glossy, spherical drupe, 0.25 inch (6 mm) in diameter, ripening from red to glossy black and persisting from late spring into summer. Growth rate is slow; plants reach 18 inches (45 cm) within 3-4 years and spread to form a 2-3 foot (60-90 cm) colony within 5-6 years via stoloniferous roots. The suckering habit is more pronounced than in S. confusa, and colonies can gradually expand beyond intended boundaries. Foliage remains glossy and unblemished year-round in zones 6-9. In zone 5, leaf tip burn occurs when temperatures drop below -10°F (-23°C), though plants typically regenerate from the roots.
Native Range
Native to the Himalayas and western China, occurring in understory forests at elevations of 4,000-9,000 feet (1,200-2,700 m). Found in shaded, humid conditions on forest floors and mountain slopes with humus-rich, acidic soils.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted as a shade groundcover or low border in woodland gardens, foundation plantings, and along shaded paths at 18-24 inch (45-60 cm) spacing. The low, spreading habit and shade tolerance make it suited to planting beneath trees and large shrubs where taller plants are not appropriate. Grows in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L); stoloniferous spreading is naturally contained by the pot.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years
Bloom Information
Flowers from January through March in zones 6-9, with peak bloom and fragrance typically occurring in February. In milder zones (8-9), flowering may begin in December. Individual flower clusters persist for 2-3 weeks; total bloom period extends 6-10 weeks. Fragrance is strongest on mild, still winter days above 40°F (4°C) and diminishes during hard freezes.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pinkishFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, narrowly lance-shaped, leatheryGrowing 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
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons, providing 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week in the absence of rain, to establish the stoloniferous root system. Established colonies tolerate moderate drought of 2-3 weeks but foliage quality improves with consistent moisture. Prefers acidic soils (pH 5.0-6.5); iron chlorosis develops in alkaline conditions above pH 7.0. No significant pest or disease problems. Mulch with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of organic material annually to maintain soil moisture and mimic the forest-floor conditions of its native habitat. Stoloniferous spread may require periodic edging or removal of runners that extend beyond desired boundaries.Pruning
Minimal pruning required. Remove any winter-damaged stems in early spring before new growth begins. Plants can be trimmed lightly after flowering to maintain a uniform height, though this is rarely necessary. Runners that spread beyond the intended area can be severed at ground level and transplanted or discarded at any time. No rejuvenation pruning is needed; the suckering habit continuously produces new growth from the base.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: 5 gallons