sweet box
Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis
USDA zones6 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall2 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring
Garden uses
Notes
Sweet box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis) is a shrub for shade gardens, ground cover, borders, and naturalized areas. 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. It is an evergreen with fragrant flowers that open in early to late spring. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Growth is slow and dense, so it fills in gradually.
Pairs well with Lenten rose, Autumn fern, Aureola Japanese forest grass, and Bigleaf hydrangea.
Native range
China.