Images Depict Mature Plants
Sarcococca Hookeriana
Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis
Sarcococca hookeriana is a low-maintenance, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy foliage and fragrant winter blooms, making it perfect for shaded, low-light areas of the garden. Ideal for use as groundcover, in woodland gardens, or as a foundation planting, this deer-resistant and drought-tolerant plant adds year-round interest and texture to any landscape.
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Sarcococca Hookeriana Sweet Box Shrubs for Sale Online
The Sarcococca hookeriana, commonly known as sweetbox or Himalayan sweetbox, is a versatile evergreen shrub prized for its lush, glossy foliage and delightful fragrance. This compact plant produces small, inconspicuous white flowers in late winter to early spring, which release a sweet, intoxicating scent that attracts pollinators. The blooms are followed by small, glossy black berries that add interest to the garden throughout the year. Reaching a mature size of 12-24 inches tall and 3-5 feet wide, Sarcococca hookeriana is ideal for groundcover, shady borders, or as an accent plant in woodland gardens. In USDA Zones 7-9, this shrub thrives in partial to full shade and is perfect for low-light areas of your landscape.
Known for its low-maintenance care, Sarcococca hookeriana is highly adaptable to a variety of soil types as long as they are well-drained. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering, and is resistant to most pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a trouble-free plant. This shrub is also deer-resistant, adding an extra layer of protection to your garden in areas where deer are a concern. Whether used as a ground cover beneath trees, as a foundation planting, or as an edging plant, Sarcococca hookeriana adds year-round interest with its glossy leaves and fragrant winter blooms.
With its compact size and ability to thrive in shaded areas, Sarcococca hookeriana is an excellent choice for filling difficult garden spots where other plants may struggle. Its evergreen nature provides a backdrop of greenery throughout the year, while the fragrant flowers bring a burst of life in the colder months when most other plants are dormant. For gardeners seeking an elegant, low-maintenance shrub that enhances the garden with texture, scent, and year-round appeal, Sarcococca hookeriana is a perfect fit.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 1.5 to 2 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 5 Feet |
| Classification: | Broad leaved evergreen flowering shrub, early spring flowering |
| Sunlight: | Full to part shade |
| Habit: | Dwarf spreading |
| Flower Color: | Fragrant white flowers |
| Foliage: | Dark green, evergreen |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | A truly deer proof shrub. Perfect for use as a groundcover in shaded gardens |
How to Care for Sarcococca Hookeriana
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Sarcococca hookeriana for years to come!
How Do I Plant a Sarcococca Hookeriana Shrub?
To plant a Sarcococca hookeriana shrub, start by selecting a location with partial to full shade, as this evergreen thrives in low-light conditions. Ensure the soil is well-drained, as Sarcococca prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball to allow the roots room to spread. Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill with a mixture of native soil and organic compost to enrich the soil, and water thoroughly to help the roots establish. This shrub performs best in acidic to neutral soils, so adding peat moss or other organic material can help create the right environment. After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the Sarcococca hookeriana to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Water the shrub regularly during the first growing season to promote root development, but be careful not to overwater, as this plant prefers well-drained soil. Once established, Sarcococca is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. This slow-growing shrub will gradually spread, making it ideal for groundcover or filling in shady borders, enhancing your landscape with year-round greenery and its signature winter fragrance.
How Do I Water a Sarcococca Hookeriana Shrub?
To water a Sarcococca hookeriana shrub effectively, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. After planting, water deeply about once a week, ensuring the moisture reaches the root zone. This encourages strong root establishment. Be careful not to let the soil become waterlogged, as Sarcococca prefers well-drained soil and can suffer from root rot if overwatered. In hotter or drier climates, you may need to increase the watering frequency slightly, but always check the top few inches of soil before watering to ensure it is dry. Once established, Sarcococca hookeriana becomes drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. However, during extended dry periods or in particularly hot summers, it’s important to provide occasional deep watering to maintain the shrub's lush, glossy foliage. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help conserve moisture, reduce the need for frequent watering, and regulate soil temperature. Proper watering practices will help your Sarcococca hookeriana thrive, ensuring year-round greenery and fragrant winter blooms.
How Do I Fertilize a Sarcococca Hookeriana Shrub?
early spring as new growth begins to emerge. A fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, like a 10-10-10 or 12-6-6 formula, works well to support healthy root development and maintain the shrub’s lush, glossy foliage. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the shrub, taking care to keep it a few inches away from the stems to avoid root burn. Water thoroughly after fertilizing to help the nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the roots. This early spring feeding will give your Sarcococca the boost it needs to thrive throughout the growing season. For ongoing care, a second application of fertilizer in late summer can help sustain the plant’s health and promote continued growth. You can also use organic options such as compost or well-rotted manure to naturally enrich the soil. Mulching around the base of the shrub not only helps retain moisture but also adds organic nutrients to the soil over time. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Sarcococca hookeriana is a low-maintenance plant and too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth at the expense of its natural shape. With the right feeding schedule, your Sarcococca will maintain its vibrant foliage and provide year-round beauty.
How Do I Prune a Sarcococca Hookeriana Shrub?
Pruning a Sarcococca hookeriana shrub is minimal but necessary to maintain its neat, compact form and encourage healthy growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, right after the flowering period. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches using clean, sharp pruning shears. If the shrub has grown too large, you can trim back the outer branches to maintain its desired shape, but avoid heavy pruning, as Sarcococca is a slow-growing plant. Light pruning will help encourage new growth and maintain the plant’s dense, attractive foliage. For ongoing maintenance, prune sparingly throughout the growing season to remove any wayward or crossing branches that may disrupt the shrub’s shape. Additionally, thinning out the center of the shrub can improve airflow, reducing the risk of fungal issues and promoting healthier growth. Since Sarcococca hookeriana has a naturally compact and low-maintenance growth habit, it generally doesn’t require much pruning beyond occasional touch-ups. With proper pruning, your Sarcococca will maintain its lush, green appearance and continue to provide year-round interest with its evergreen foliage and fragrant blooms.
