Sarcococca confusa

Sarcococca confusa, the sweet box, is a species of flowering plant in the family Buxaceae, probably native to western China. It is an evergreen shrub growing to 2 m (7 ft) tall by 1 m (3 ft) broad, with glossy green ovate leaves and honey-scented[1] white flowers in winter, followed by glossy black spherical fruits, 5 mm in diameter.[2]

Sarcococca confusa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Buxales
Family: Buxaceae
Genus: Sarcococca
Species:
S. confusa
Binomial name
Sarcococca confusa

It is a very adaptable and reliable shrub that is easily grown in many situations, including dense shade with very dry soil. It will however grow in full sun, even though the foliage appears to "bleach" a little. The soil should be kept damp if grown in sun or part shade. The shrub is midwinter flowering with a delightful sweet scent. The small black berries are eaten by birds which disperse the seeds.[3]

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4][5]

References
  1. "Cambridge University Botanic Garden - Sarcocca confusa". Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  2. RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  3. Keen, Mary (January 5, 2002). "How to grow: Sarcococcas" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  4. "RHS Plant Selector - Sarcococca confusa". Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  5. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 95. Retrieved 30 October 2018.


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