Sarcococca hookeriana the ‘Dwarf Sweet Box’
This is a lower growing species widely used a ground cover plant, Sarcococca hookeriana is very useful for underplanting both deciduous and evergreen trees. With a compact growth habit this is a plant that will sucker, however it does seem to be a vigorous plant in this respect. Flowers are small and creamy white, yet with a sweet fragrance especially on a warm spring day.
Landscaping Uses
Reaching around .6m, Sarococca hookeriana is a choice low growing evergreen plant for dry shade, and landscapers use it widely for these characteristics. A few varieties including Sarcococca hookeriana humilis and Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna which has attractive purple stems. Excellent when planted near a pathway where the fragrance can be best appreciated.
Care and growing conditions
A humus rich soil in filtered to part shade or full sun. In warmer area protection from afternoon sun is advisable. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shade. The root system is not regarded as invasive and these are a long lived shrub Fertilise with a slow release fertiliser in spring, water Sarcococca hookeriana in, with a seaweed fertiliser when planting.
Summary
- Evergreen.
- To around .6m in height.
- Dry shade.
- Fragrant flowers.
- Frost tolerant.
- Excellent beneath trees.
Sarcococca hookeriana are available for sale from the following nurseries
Other winter fragrant plants include
- Sarcococca ruscifolia
- Sacococca hookeriana humilis
- Daphne odora
- Chimonanthus
- Osmanthus
- Luculia
- Sarcococca confusa – sweet box