fragrant sweet box
Sarcococca ruscifolia
USDA zones7 to 9
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall3 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Fragrant sweet box (Sarcococca ruscifolia) is a shrub for borders, shade gardens, hedges, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Sweet-scented white flowers open in winter and spring, and birds visit the plant. Deer tend to pass it by. Keep it away from pets, since it is toxic to them.
Pairs well with Lenten rose, Autumn fern, White bigleaf hydrangea, and Mondo grass.
Native range
Western China and Tibet.