Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full shade, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Christmas box, Sarcococca confusa, is a dense, winter-flowering evergreen shrub, bearing sweetly scented, pure white blooms, in contrast with dark green leaves. It's extremely tolerant of shade and is therefore perfect for growing in a woodland border or shady corner, where you can enjoy its heady fragrance throughout winter.

Grow Sarcococca confusa in moist but well-drained soil in sun or shade, ideally near a path or in your front garden, where you can appreciate its scent.

Frequently asked questions

Why isn’t my sweet box (Sarcococca) doing well?

If your sweet box is looking sickly and the leaves are going yellow and crinkly, check that your plant has some shade, as Sarcococca grows best out of full sun, especially if the soil is dry. It can also suffer when exposed to cold, drying winds, so make sure your plant is in a sheltered position. Consider winter protection in hard and prolonged periods of frost and snow. Some species, such as Sarcococca wallichii, are only reliably hardy in mild areas.

Why has my Sarcococca confusa lost its leaves?

Sarcococca confusa is a resilient evergreen shrub, so if it has lost its leaves there may be an issue with environmental conditions. Make sure your Sarcococca is planted moist but well-drained soil. Plants in dry soil may suffer until they are well established.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes

Sarcococca and wildlife

Sarcococca has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Sarcococca poisonous?

Sarcococca has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Sarcococca confusa
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