Overview
Sarcococca is a bushy shrubs in the genus Sarcococca, part of the Buxaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Sarcococca grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance and hedging and screens.
About
Sarcococca, commonly called sweet box, is an evergreen shrub noted for its fragrant white winter flowers. It forms a well-branched, rounded plant that suits shaded corners. Flowers appear in December, January and February, carrying a strong scent into the colder months. It performs best in sheltered, shady positions with reliably moist but well-drained soil.
About the genus
Sarcococca, nicknamed sweet box or Christmas box, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Buxaceae. native to eastern and southeastern Asia, and the Himalayas, with one species native to Central America.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sarcococca
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Sarcococca size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Hedging and screens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sarcococca
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn or spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sarcococca?
Sarcococca prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Sarcococca need?
Sarcococca is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Sarcococca hardy in the UK?
Sarcococca has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Sarcococca?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn or spring.