Sarcococca confusa (Sweet Box)

Sweetly scented, Sarcococca confusa (Sweet Box) is a terrific, winter-flowering, evergreen shrub rich inmany qualities. Announcing their presence with their incredible, sweet vanilla fragrance, tiny ivory-white flowers appear in late winter to early spring, somewhat hidden among the dense foliage of glossy, slightly rippled, dark green leaves.

Sweetly scented, Sarcococca confusa (Sweet Box) is a terrific, winter-flowering, evergreen shrub rich in many qualities. Announcing their presence with their incredible, sweet vanilla fragrance, tiny ivory-white flowers appear in late winter to early spring, somewhat hidden among the dense foliage of glossy, slightly rippled, dark green leaves. The flowers give way to lovely, shiny fruits which change from red to black when mature. Amazingly easy to grow and reliable, this bushy shrub is perfect for the shady border and deserves a spot near your patio where its heavenly fragrance can be enjoyed!

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows at a moderate rate up to 3-5 ft. tall and wide (90-150 cm) in an upright rounded form with its branches radiating out from around the stems.
  • Thrives in part to full shade in moderately fertile, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils. Full sun may be tolerated when planted in damp soil. Also tolerant of pollution, dry shade and neglect.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant, it is rarely affected by pests or disease.
  • Requires little maintenance. Prune in spring after flowering to maintain attractive shape.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn or spring
  • Very versatile, this plant is perfect for beds and borders, as groundcover, for woodland gardens or cottage gardens. May be clipped to a low formal hedge, similarly to Boxwood. Elegant and perfect for containers too!
  • Native to China.

Requirements

Hardiness 6
– 9

Heat Zones 6
– 9

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Sarcococca – Sweet Boxes
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early)Winter
Height 3'
– 5'
(90cm
– 150cm)
Spread 3'
– 5'
(90cm
– 150cm)
Spacing 60″ (150cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden