Sarcococca confusa

sweet box

Evergreen Shrub

"Outstanding Qualities
This shrub has so many outstanding qualities, almost every garden should have one! First, there is its superb winter fragrance, that floats on the breeze in January and February. This intoxicating perfume of sweet vanilla, which is never cloying, comes from the tiny white flowers hidden among its evergreen leaves. The foliage is glossy and dark green, with a little twist to each leaf that adds texture to the shrub. Sweet box thrives in shade, where its leaf color is deepest green. It tolerates dry conditions once it is established, making it a good choice for under eaves and in dark, dry locations. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun or the leaves will scorch. If Sarcococca confusa is happy, its seedlings will germinate beneath-transplant them or give them to friends. Sweet box also makes a lovely, low hedge.

Culture Notes
Sweet box grows best in light to deep shade in locations protected from hot afternoon sun. It prefers a rich moist to well-drained soil, but will tolerate sandy locations and clay if the drainage is adequate. Once established it is drought tolerant, but appreciates occasional watering during long, dry spells. It is slow to become established, often taking a couple of years to settle in. Little pruning is needed other than the occasional removal of dead or broken branches. In severe and sudden cold snaps it can defoliate, but it will leaf out in spring." —Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Part Sun, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Occasional

Description

Size: 24 - 36 tall x 24 - 48 wide
Shape / Form: Irregular, Rounded
Foliage Texture: Fine
Foliage Quality: Fine

Features: Fragrant, Winter Interest, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Low Maintenance, Year-round Interest

Foliage Color: Green

Flower Color: White, Ivory / Cream
Bloom Season: Winter, Late Winter / Early Spring

Fruit Description: Black

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Banks and Slopes, Erosion Control, Groundcover, Massed, Mixed Border, Structure / Foundation
Special Situations: Courtyard / Urban Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Water / No Water, Once-a-Year Maintenance
Wildlife: Deer Resistant

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: mid-plane filler
Plant Behavior: Suckers
Collections: Great Plant Pick

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low