Sarcococca orientalis
$36.00 / 1G
Sweet Box ·
Description
Sarcococca orientalis, commonly known as Sweet Box, is a woody landscape shrub valued for its pink and white flowers during winter. It typically matures 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide. Grow it in partial to deep shade in moist, well-drained garden soil. Its native range or documented parentage is Southeastern China. Its flowers can provide seasonal forage for bees and other beneficial insects. In the landscape, it works well in border, hedge, and mass planting. Once established, it shows useful tolerance to deer and drought.
Benefits
Builds the middle layer of the garden, adding structure between perennials and trees. A better candidate for landscapes with deer pressure than more browse-prone plants. Helps make lower-light garden areas feel intentional instead of bare.
Features
Strong white flowers mid-winter; matures about 2 - 5 ft tall and 3 - 5 ft wide
Usage/Use
Shade evergreen, entry planting, foundation planting
| Sarcococca orientalis | |
| Sweet Box | |
| Yes | |
| Best grown in part shade to shade with average moisture. | |
| Part Shade to Shade; Average moisture; Well-drained, amended garden soil. Water regularly the first season, then adjust to plant preference. | |
| Garden origin / cultivated selection | |
| Non-Native | |
| No | |
| Southeastern China | |
| Yes |
| 6 - 9 | |
| Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9; protect roots during establishment. | |
| Part Shade | |
| Loam | |
| 6 - 7 | |
| 2 - 5 ft | |
| 3 - 5 ft | |
| Medium | |
| 3 - 5 ft |
| Yes | |
| Longtime | |
| Mid-Winter | |
| Strong | |
| White | |
| Green | |
| Green foliage | |
| Woodland Edge of Savanna | |
| Specimen Garden | |
| All Winter Season Interest | |
| Landscaping | |
| Upright | |
| Long Lived | |
| Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter |
| Average Water | |
| Well-drained | |
| Water deeply during establishment; after established, water based on rainfall and soil moisture. | |
| Low | |
| Water regularly during establishment, mulch to conserve moisture, and cut back/prune at the proper seasonal time. |