Species sweet box
green shrub with shiny, green, lanceolate leaves

sweet box

Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis 'Sarsid2' FRAGRANT MOUNTAIN

Sweet Box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis 'Sarsid2' FRAGRANT MOUNTAIN) is a small shrub native to China. It is evergreen, grows up to 4 feet tall, with glossy oval leaves. It blooms small white flowers in winter and spring and its small, red berries add colour in fall and winter. It is highly fragrant and smells sweet like honey! Its easy care makes it great for gardens and as a container plant and is usually planted in full or partial shade. Little pruning is necessary but it is tolerant of shearing. It is resistant to deer and rabbits. Sweet Box makes a great choice for anyone who wants a beautiful, fragrant and low-maintenance shrub.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Division,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

part shade,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

watering

Sweet box plants should be watered regularly, about once each week during the active growing season of spring and summer months. In general, keep the soil moist, but not soggy or overly wet. Reduce watering frequency in the winter months as the plant prepares for dormancy. When watering, generously soak the soil as excess water should drain away.

sunlight

Sweet box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis 'Sarsid2' FRAGRANT MOUNTAIN) prefers to grow in partial to full shade with 2-4 hours of sunlight per day. This plant performs well in bright, indirect light or even in low light conditions. For best results it's best to keep sweet box in an area with dappled sunlight or away from direct sun, as its leaves may burn in intense sunlight. Note that the amount of sunlight a plant receives may vary slightly depending on the temperature and climate in your area.

pruning

Sweet box plants should be pruned in the early spring, just as new growth is beginning to emerge. Prune by removing dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also reshape the plant if desired by clipping off top growth to maintain shape. Remove no more than 1/3 of the total growth on any 1 plant to avoid any shock to the plant. Sweet box plants respond well to pruning so do not be afraid to work back into the desired shape.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Sweet box typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Starts Flowering

Sweet box typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Hardiness Map