Sarcococca

Sarcococca Care

Sarcococca Hookeriana

What is the plant

Sarcococca hookeriana commonly called sweetbox is a low-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub to 5' tall that spreads, albeit slowly, by stolons to 6' wide or more over time in shady areas of the landscape. Lustrous, lanceolate, leathery, dark green leaves (to 3 1/2" long and to 3/4" wide) are evergreen.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

-20°C - -10°C

Hardiness zone

7 - 9

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water plants well in the first year or so, while they are establishing. Thereafter, plants in the ground are only likely to need watering during prolonged periods of very dry weather, unless the soil is very light and very well drained.
Pruning
In late winter or early spring lightly trim or prune back shoots that spoil the plant's symmetry. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost around the base of the plant.
Fertilizer
Mix a liquid fertilizer with water according to the labeled directions.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Sarcococca confusa is an adaptable plant, growing easily in most lighting conditions.
Soil
Sarcococca are best planted in moist, well-drained soil of chalk, clay, sand or loam within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. These shrubs are best positioned in full shade or part shade, although full sun will be tolerated if placed in exceedingly damp soil.
Temperature
Full sun may bleach the leaves a little, but it's possible in cool climates with damp soil. These plants are winter hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. In zone 6, where temperatures may reach -10° degrees Fahrenheit (-23° C), the plant may survive outdoors with protection from the cold.

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Container
They can tolerate pollution, can be grown in pots
Additional
Sarcococca confusa has no toxic effects reported. They are slow-growing, monoecious, evergreen shrubs 1–2 m (3–7 ft) tall. The leaves are borne alternately, 3–12 cm long and 1–4 cm broad. The plants bear fragrant white flowers, often in winter.