Overview
Sarcococca ruscifolia is a bushy shrub in the genus Sarcococca, part of the Buxaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Sarcococca ruscifolia grows best in shade and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include groundcover and underplanting. It is native to China North-Central, China South-Central and China Southeast.
About
Sarcococca ruscifolia (野扇花) is a species of flowering plant in the box family Buxaceae, native to China, where it inhabits forested mountain slopes. Growing to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall and broad, it is a compact evergreen shrub with shiny oval leaves.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sarcococca ruscifolia
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
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Sarcococca ruscifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, underplanting
- Native to
- China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast
- Fragrance
- fragrant flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sarcococca ruscifolia
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered, shady spots with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry shade once established.
- 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 ruscifolia?
Prefers sheltered, shady spots with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry shade once established.
Where is the best place to plant Sarcococca ruscifolia?
Sarcococca ruscifolia prefers shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Sarcococca ruscifolia need?
Sarcococca ruscifolia grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Sarcococca ruscifolia?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Sarcococca ruscifolia hardy in the UK?
Sarcococca ruscifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Sarcococca ruscifolia?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
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