fragrant sweet box

In general, Fragrant Sweet Box (Sarcococca ruscifolia) prefers to grow in moist soil conditions. Water the plant deeply and regularly during the active growing season (generally March to October in most regions) to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Water approximately once a week, depending on local weather and soil conditions, providing about 1 inch of water each time. Reduce watering in the winter months, and for plants growing in containers, take care not to overwater.

Fragrant sweet box plants need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. This can be spread across the morning and evening, or concentrated in 1 portion of the day. Seeds planted in full sun require more frequent irrigation if not planted in a well drained spot than those grown in partial sun.

Fragrant sweet box is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub that requires light pruning for shaping and health. Pruning should occur after flowering (mid to late spring) in order to encourage the best shape and flowering the following year. Trim the plant lightly to reduce size and even out the shape. Pruning should focus on removing dead, diseased or damaged branches, as well as any suckers at the base of the plant. Make sure to prune back branches to a healthy bud or branch. It is important not to prune sweet box too severely, as it typically responds well with light pruning. Too much pruning can reduce the flowering in the following year.