Sarcococca (Sweet Box)

Sarcococca (pronounced sar-co-co-kah, more commonly known as “Sweet Box” or “Christmas Box”) may be rather nondescript in appearance but the fragrance of the winter blooms is spectacular. Walking by it on a warm winter’s day and the powerful perfume scent comes as quite a surprise.

The shrub is native to the Himalayas from Afghanistan to central China. The small, narrow and pointed leaves are evergreen and the threadlike flowers, which usually begin to appear in January (sometimes earlier), are also miniscule and creamy white in color. They are often hidden under the foliage and you usually smell them before seeing them. Small berries follow the flowers.

These shrubs are shade lovers and do well in either a shade or part-shade situation. They can be used in shrub borders,  along pathways or as foundation plants. They also look nice in Asian-inspired landscapes. Plant it where you can enjoy the fragrance during the winter months. They grow slowly, from 1 -4 feet, depending on the variety.

For best results, grow sweet box in average to rich soil that is well-drained. Once established, they are drought tolerant. They are also deer resistant.

Sarcococca hookieriana (var. humilis) is low-growing (1 ½ feet tall) and can spread to eight feet. This particular variety is good as a groundcover with blue-black fruit.

Sarcococca ruscifolia can grow 4 feet or taller and has red fruit.

Sarcococca confusa is very similar to ruscifolia but with black fruit.