sweet box
Sarcococca confusa
RHS AGM 1993, RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall3 to 5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- Cream/tan, white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Sweet box (Sarcococca confusa) is a shrub for borders, containers, hedges, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist soil of most types. It grows slowly into an arching, evergreen mound with fragrant cream to white blooms in winter and spring. Bees visit the flowers. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal.
Pairs well with Lady fern, Halcyon hosta, and Japanese holly.
Native range
Asia.