Sarcococca, Genus, ruscifolia, Species,
- Genus & species
fragrant sweet box
C and W China (Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan; understory moist forests 3000-7000 ft; ruscifolia=ruscus-leaved; red berries; non-suckering; intense winter fragrance; z7)
Overview
Sarcococca ruscifolia is an evergreen shrub reaching 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall with a spread of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) and a dense, arching, mounding habit—denser and more rounded than S. hookeriana. Native to central and western China, it produces broadly ovate, glossy, dark green leaves 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long with a pointed tip—broader and more ruscus-like (ruscifolia = ruscus-leaved) than S. hookeriana. Tiny, petal-less, creamy-white, intensely fragrant flowers cluster in the leaf axils in January-March. Glossy deep red berries follow and persist through winter—the red (versus black) berries distinguish this from S. hookeriana. Growth rate is slow. Hardy to zone 7. Non-suckering—stays as a single clump. The dense arching form, winter fragrance, and persistent red berries make this the showier species.
Native Range
Sarcococca ruscifolia is native to central and western China—Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan—in understory of moist forests at 3,000-7,000 feet (900-2,100 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in shade gardens, under trees, along north-facing walls, or as a low evergreen hedge at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing. Intensely fragrant winter flowers Jan-Mar. Red berries—showier than black-berried species. Non-suckering—neater than S. hookeriana. Dense evergreen mound. Slow growing. Zone 7—slightly less cold-hardy. Not suitable for full sun, dry soils, or exposed sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Creamy-white; tiny petal-less; leaf axils; Jan-Mar; intensely fragrant; deep red berries persist through winterFoliage Description
Glossy dark green; broadly ovate ruscus-like 1.5-3 inches; pointed tip; evergreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 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
Plant in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil (pH 5.5-7.0). Hardy to zone 7—slightly less cold-hardy than S. hookeriana. Deep shade tolerant. Non-suckering—stays as a single clump. Shelter from cold winds.Pruning
Minimal pruning needed. The dense mounding habit develops naturally. Can be lightly shaped after flowering. Remove any dead or damaged stems.Pruning Schedule
Prune: March–April
early spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
