Sarcococca ruscifolia

Common Names

Fragrant Sarcococca, Fragrant Sweet Box, Sweet Box

Summary

Fragrant Sweet Box is an evergreen broadleaf shrub native to Western China and Tibet, typically 3–4 ft tall with a dense, low-growing habit, year-round green foliage, and highly fragrant white flowers in late winter; it grows slowly to moderately and spreads by suckers, with deer resistance and hardiness in USDA zones 7–9.

Cultivation favors acidic, organically rich, moist but well-drained soil in part to deep shade, as leaves scorch in full sun; it requires consistent moisture and mulch and should be pruned after flowering to maintain shape. Propagation is by division; pests such as scale may occur, and red or burgundy drupes persist into winter, ripening to black, making it well-suited for use as a low hedge or groundcover, foundation plantings, or shade garden accents.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-4 ft

Spread

3-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-9

Sunlight Requirements

Partial shade to full shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, organically rich, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil.

Soil pH

4.5-6.5

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Winter to early spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color; evergreen with dark green leaves.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate growth, full size in ~10 years

Seasons of Interest

Winter and Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and birds