Scientific name: Scarcococca ruscifolia
Family: BUXACEAE
Common names: “sarcococca” “sweet box”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 8-9
Light: Semi-shade – deep shade, leaves turn chlorotic in sun
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Humus rich soil
Moisture: Moist well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 3-4′ W 4-6′
Leaf and Stem shape: Arching shoots and glossy, narrow leaves
Flower: Extremely fragrant small, creamy white flowers in February, with red berries
Pruning: Can handle aggressive cuts
Maintenance: Low, prune out older yellower stems
Landscape use: Hedges, scenting up your yard, close to doorways and pathways
Propagate: By seed, cuttings and division
Pests & Disease: None in Victoria
Comments: Everybody needs a sweet box in their garden
Cultivars: Sarcococca confusa – has black berries
