Photo of Sarcococca orientalis foliage by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

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Buy Sarcococca orientalis

Also Known As

  • Chinese Sweetbox

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-5'
  • W: 3'-7'

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

2-4 inch bagged root ball | $19

UPS shipping based on order size & location

Fewer than 24 at Cistus Nursery

4 inch pot | $13

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

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Sarcococca orientalis plant details

Sarcococca orientalis is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In winter white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in alkaline, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and pollution tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sarcococca orientalis

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: buxaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 7 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in winter
Uses: border plant, fragrant, mass-planting, winter interest, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Sarcococca orientalis

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and pollution
Soil needs: alkaline, average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Our selection of this exceedingly handsome, 4 ft, rather dense, evergreen shrub with 2" x 1" leaves set amid the layered branches, each festooned with flowers up to 1/3" from mid-fall to through late winter. Wonderfully fragrant. We have found this plant to be one of the most fully evergreen and rewarding of the genus. A great addition under other shrubs in nearly full shade to bright light, but best out of hottest afternoon sun in warm climates. Regular summer water and average fertilizing. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
Such a great Genus for year-round beauty in shade! Glossy evergreen leaves are dense on a symmetrical, rounded shrub 2-4’ tall (often wider than it is tall). Intoxicatingly fragrant white flowers in late winter perfume the air for a great distance. Needs little care, tolerant of dry shade, root competition. Great foundation plant, easy to grow. One of the hardiest Sarcos!
S. ORIENTALIS - is a 2’-3’ suckering shrub. The glossy evergreen leaves are attractive all year in January-March. The small white flowers have a wonderful fragrance.
All the Sarcococcas are great. This one has a slightly larger dark green leaf, stands a little taller, suckers a bit, loves deep dry shade, blooms in very early spring, and smells divine when flowering.

By: Specialty Ornamentals

Gardening facts about Sarcococca orientalis plant

How to Grow Sarcococca orientalis

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • pollution tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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