sweet box

Water your plant deeply, once a week or every other week. During the summer months, when temperatures are higher and the soil dries out more quickly, you may need to water more frequently. Make sure to check the soil before each watering and never allow the plant to sit in waterlogged soil.

Sweet box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis) grows best in an area with light to part shade exposure. For this plant species, it is recommended to give it at least 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. Morning sun is best since it won’t be as intense. Avoid direct afternoon sunlight which can be too harsh for this plant species. Sweet box can tolerate some shade but too much shade may result in fewer blooms and a weaker overall plant. In general, sweet box should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.

Sweet box should be pruned once a year in late spring or early summer after the plant has finished flowering. Prune the old stems back by about a third of their length, or more if they become overgrown. This will encourage new growth and help maintain the natural shape of the plant. Remove any stray or crossed branches, dead or diseased wood as well as any suckers that may appear. Prune the top of the sweet box to control its height and shape to the desired size and shape.