Overview
Sarcococca hookeriana digyna is a bushy, compact, suckering evergreen shrub in the genus Sarcococca, part of the Buxaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Sarcococca hookeriana digyna grows best in shade and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, underplanting and shade garden. It is native to China, Afghanistan, North East India, Bhutan and Nepal.
About
Sarcococca hookeriana, the Himalayan sweet box, is a species of flowering plant in the box family Buxaceae, native to China, Afghanistan, North East India, Bhutan and Nepal. It is a low-growing evergreen shrub, usually growing to 12–24 in (30–61 cm) high.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sarcococca hookeriana
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. They are slow-growing, monoecious, evergreen shrubs 1–2 m (3–7 ft) tall.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sarcococca", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sarcococca
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sarcococca
- Sunlight
- shade, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Sarcococca hookeriana digyna size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- evergreen shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Compact, Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, underplanting, shade garden
- Native to
- China, Afghanistan, North East India, Bhutan, Nepal
- Fragrance
- fragrant flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sarcococca hookeriana digyna
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered, shady spots with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sarcococca hookeriana digyna?
Prefers sheltered, shady spots with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Where is the best place to plant Sarcococca hookeriana digyna?
Sarcococca hookeriana digyna prefers shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Sarcococca hookeriana digyna need?
Sarcococca hookeriana digyna grows best in well-drained and humus-rich soil. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Sarcococca hookeriana digyna?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Sarcococca hookeriana digyna hardy in the UK?
Sarcococca hookeriana digyna 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 hookeriana digyna?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
