Chinese sweet box
Also known as: Christmas box
A compact, bushy, evergreen shrub to 1m tall and wide. Stout shoots bear oval to lanceolate, glossy leaves, up to 9cm long, that taper to a point. Fragrant, creamy-white flowers, the males tinged pink, are borne in winter and followed by black fruits
Scientific classification
- Species
- Chinese sweet box (Sarcococca orientalis)
- Genus
- Sarcococca
- Family
- Buxaceae
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Toxicity
- Shrubs
- Plant type
- 0.5-1 metres
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- Evergreen
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
- Season of interest
- Full shade · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Chinese sweet box pictures
Distribution of Chinese sweet box
Distribution map
China
Information to be completed
Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Quick identification of Chinese sweet box
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Chinese sweet box care guide
- Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings
- Watering
- Full shade · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced shrub or tree feed once each early spring
Pruning
PruningUsually little pruning is needed. Lightly shape if necessary, removing dead, damaged or diseased shoots. Prune after flowering.
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings
Growing
GrowingGrows best in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in light shade. Avoid dry, exposed sites
People also ask
Information to be completed
Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Pests
Generally pest-free
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