Sarcococca confusa, January 2005

Plant of the Month, January 2005

Sarcococca confusa

Other cultivars/Species:
Species: S. ruscifolia is mostly similar except for a red fruit instead of black. A third species, S. hookeriana var. humilis, is a low growing groundcover with otherwise similar characteristics

Extra notes and interesting information:
Wonderfully fragrant flowers bloom during winter and are a promise of spring to come! Plant near entryways and walkways for a welcoming scent and evergreen foliage.
Grows well in shady corners or under trees where many plants won’t.
This shrub can be grown against a wall to in order to fan out the branches and create patterns.
Spreads with runners.

References: Brenzel, Kathleen Norris, Ed. 2001. Sunset Western Garden Book, 7th ed. Sunset Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, CA.
Meakin Poor, Janet & Peterson Brewster, Nancy. 1996. Plants That Merit Attention, Volume II- Shrubs. Timber Press, Portland, OR.

at a glance:
Common Name: Sweet Box
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Family: Buxaceae
Height/Spread: Slow growing, at 6 in. per year, to 4-6 ft. high and 3-7 ft. wide
Leaves: Waxy dark green leaves have a wavy edge, are ovate and grow densely and from 1.5-2.5 in. long
Flowers: Profusely fragrant blossoms are tiny and white.
Bloom Period: January through early spring

Fruit: Small, round black berries appear December through march and grow to about ¼ in. in diameter.
Diseases/pests: Scale insects
Conditions: Grows best in partial shade and burns in full sun. Prefers moist, well-drained and organically enriched soil. Does remarkably well in deeply shady conditions.
Natural Range:

Himalayas, China
Hardiness: Zones (Sunset) 4-9, 14-24
Location: East patio alongside adjoining walkway, Waterwise Garden and Groundcover Garden.

Home

Plant Collection

Site Index

Copyright 2011 Bellevue Botanical Garden Society. All rights reserved.
This site is sponsored and maintained by volunteers of the
Bellevue Botanical Garden Society

In partnership with the City of Bellevue

Mail:
Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street
Bellevue, WA 98005
425.452.2750

Bellevue Botanical Garden Society
PO Box 40536
Bellevue WA 98015-4536
425.451.3755

Sponsorships are available for events. Contact us at sponsor@bellevuebotanical.org

Phone:
Facilities use: 425.452.2750

Volunteer at the Garden: 425.452.2750

Volunteer for events: 425.451.3755

Membership information: 425.451.3755

Special events and programs: 425.451.3755