sweet box

Also known as: Information to be completed

S. hookeriana var. digyna is a small, suckering evergreen shrub with green or purplish stems, narrowly lanceolate mid-green leaves and clusters of small, creamy-white, fragrant flowers. Berries black

Scientific classification

Species: sweet box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna)
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: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Suckering
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full shade · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

sweet box pictures

Distribution of sweet box

Distribution map

Western 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 sweet box

Information to be completed

sweet box care guide

Moderate watering, evergreen shrub tolerates mild seasonal dryness
Watering: Full shade · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate watering, evergreen shrub tolerates mild seasonal dryness

Fertilizing

General evergreen shrub slow feed applied once each early spring

Pruning

Usually little pruning is needed. Lightly shape if necessary, removing dead, damaged or diseased shoots. Prune after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn or spring

Growing

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained humus-rich soil in shade. Full sun may be tolerated when planted in damp soil. Also tolerant of atmospheric pollution, dry shade and neglect

More growing and care information →