Buy sweet box Sarcococca confusa

Sarcococca confusa

sweet box

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Sweetly scented, pure white flowers from December to March and lustrous, dark green leaves. This wonderful, winter-flowering, dense, evergreen shrub is perfect for a shady border or woodland garden.

To fully appreciate the fabulous, vanilla-like fragrance, plant in moist, well-drained soil close to an entrance or path. Sarcococca confusa copes well with dry shade, once established, and urban pollution.

How to care for Sarcococca confusa:

Plant Sarcococca in moist, well-drained soil enriched with well-rotted compost. It thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shady borders, woodland gardens, or underplanting trees and shrubs. When planting, incorporate mycorrhizal fungi to promote strong root development and water well until established.

In late winter or early spring, lightly trim or prune back misplaced, leggy, or damaged shoots to maintain a neat, compact shape. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flowering the following year. After pruning, apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of organic matter, such as well-rotted compost or leaf mould, around the base to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health.

While sweet box is drought-tolerant once established, occasional deep watering in prolonged dry spells will encourage lush growth and abundant, highly fragrant flowers.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

Eventual spread:

Position:

Light shade / shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten