Sarcococca ruscifolia

sweetbox

Evergreen Shrub

"Outstanding Qualities
Few shrubs reach their peak in the middle of winter, but that is precisely when Sarcococca ruscifolia begins to shine. Tiny white flowers hidden amongst its glossy, dark-green foliage, open to release a delightful perfume of sweet vanilla. The perfume wafts in the winter air from January through February and brings to mind the smells of a Swedish bakery. Following flowering, small scarlet berries appear. This cool season charmer thrives in shade and tolerates dry shade once it is established. Place this shrub near shady entrances to revel in the winter fragrance. It can be used as a single specimen threaded among an evergreen border or planted in drifts to maximize its floral fragrance. It also thrives in woodland settings

Culture Notes
Sweet box grows best in open 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: 7, 8, 9

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

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Average, Low, Occasional

Description

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

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

Foliage Color: Green

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

Fruit Description: Red

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Banks and Slopes, Erosion Control, Groundcover, Massed, Structure / Foundation
Special Situations: 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
Position / Role: mid-plane filler
Plant Behavior: Suckers
Collections: Great Plant Pick

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low