Evergreen Shrub – Fragrant Sweet Box

Fragrant sweet box

Botanical name: sarcococca ruscifolia 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 3-4 ft in height with a spread of about 3 ft 

Bloom time: fall, winter, spring 

Hardy zone: zones 7-9

Flower color: white

Foliage color: green 

Growth rate: grows less than 6 inches per year 

Pruning instructions: prune lightly to maintain desired shape and size in in the winter before new spring growth begins to emerge 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings in the spring or summer months 

Landscape use: low hedge, edging, raised groundcover, shade garden, container plant

Special features: fragrant, deer resistant, clay tolerant, drought tolerant, produces ornamental non-edible berries

Light needs: no more than 4 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : begin feeding in the early spring and continue once a month throughout the summer months 

Best time to plant: spring or summer

Best type of soil: loam, clay 

Companion plants: hydrangeas, snowdrops, astilbe, hellebores 

Toxicity level: berries are mildly toxic for humans and pets if ingested in large amounts, the rest of the plant is non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no