Sarcococca confusa

Sarcococca confusa

Christmas Box.

Sweet Box.

Sarcococca confusa is a dense, bushy suckering shrub with glossy dark green leaves, and clusters of highly fragrant white flowers in winter followed by glossy black fruit. It flowers from January to February, which are followed by black fruits in March.

Sarcococca confusa grows to a Max Height of 1.5m, and spreads 1m across, but can be trimmed to size or used as a hedge. It prefers a partially shaded position, and is hardy.

MORE

Sarcococca confusa, commonly known as sweet box or Christmas box, is a small evergreen shrub that is native to China, Korea, and Japan. It belongs to the family Buxaceae and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage, sweetly scented flowers, and glossy black berries.

Sweet box is a slow-growing shrub that typically reaches a height of 3-6 feet and a width of 3-4 feet. It has a dense, bushy habit and is densely branched with leathery, dark green leaves that are 2-4 inches long and 1 inch wide. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and have a glossy, waxy texture.

Sweet box blooms in late winter to early spring, producing small, creamy-white flowers that are borne in clusters at the base of the leaves. The flowers are very fragrant, emitting a sweet, spicy scent that is reminiscent of vanilla and cloves. The flowers give way to small, glossy black berries that ripen in the summer and persist on the plant throughout the winter.

Sarcococca confusa is a hardy and adaptable plant that is easy to grow and care for. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH levels. It thrives in partial to full shade and is ideal for use in woodland gardens, shady borders, and understorey planting schemes.

Sweet box is tolerant of drought and is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it may suffer from leaf drop in hot, dry conditions and may be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. To maintain its health and vigour, sweet box should be watered regularly during dry spells and fertilized annually in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Sweet box can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or division. Seeds can be sown in the autumn in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse, and cuttings can be taken in the summer and rooted in a propagating mix. Division can be carried out in the spring or autumn, taking care to ensure that each division has a healthy root system and several stems.

Sarcococca confusa is a versatile plant that has a wide range of uses in the garden. It is ideal for use in shady areas where other plants may struggle to grow and is useful for adding structure, texture, and interest to woodland gardens and under storey planting schemes.

Sweet box is also a popular choice for use as a low hedge or edging plant, due to its dense growth habit and slow growth rate. It is also commonly used as a container plant, either on its own or as part of a mixed planting scheme, where it can provide year-round interest and fragrance.

In addition to its ornamental value, sweet box is also valued for its medicinal properties. The leaves and stems of the plant contain compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a range of ailments, including arthritis, headache, and fever.

Sarcococca confusa is an attractive and versatile plant that is ideal for use in shady areas and under storey planting schemes. It is easy to grow and care for, and its fragrant flowers and glossy black berries provide year-round interest and fragrance. With its medicinal properties and ornamental value, sweet box is a plant that is well worth considering for any garden.