As winter’s chill envelops our gardens, the allure of Sarcococca, commonly known as sweet box, emerges as a beacon of fragrance and evergreen beauty. This December, Boma Garden Centre is delighted to feature Sarcococca as our Plant of the Month, offering special promotions to help you introduce this winter gem into your outdoor spaces.
The Enchanting Personality of Sarcococca
Sarcococca is a genus of evergreen shrubs renowned for their glossy, dark green foliage and highly fragrant, creamy-white flowers that bloom in the heart of winter. Despite their modest appearance, these shrubs exude a sweet, intoxicating scent that can uplift the spirits during the colder months. Their understated elegance and resilience make them a cherished addition to any garden.
Origins and Preferred Environment
Native to the shaded understories of East and Southeast Asia, particularly the Himalayas and China, Sarcococca thrives in environments that mimic its natural habitat. These shrubs prefer partial to full shade and are well-suited to moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils. Once established, they are remarkably tolerant of dry shade and can even withstand urban pollution, making them versatile for various garden settings.
What Makes Sarcococca Special?
The true charm of Sarcococca lies in its ability to bring life and fragrance to the garden when most other plants are dormant. Their winter-blooming flowers emit a delightful scent that can fill the air, especially when planted near pathways or entrances. Following the flowering period, many varieties produce glossy berries in hues of black, red, or purple, adding visual interest and providing food for birds.
Varieties of Sarcococca at Boma Garden Centre
Boma Garden Centre offers a selection of Sarcococca varieties, each with unique characteristics:
• Sarcococca confusa: A dense, bushy shrub with glossy, dark green leaves. It produces highly fragrant white flowers in winter, followed by black berries. Growing up to 1.5 meters, it’s ideal for shaded borders.
• Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis: A low-growing, spreading variety reaching about 50 cm in height. It features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and pink-tinged stems, with white flowers that emit a sweet fragrance. Perfect as ground cover in shaded areas.
• Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’: Known for its distinctive purple-tinged stems and narrow leaves, this variety grows up to 1 meter tall. It offers fragrant white flowers and black berries, adding a touch of color to winter gardens.
• Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis ‘Fragrant Valley’: A compact form with a height of approximately 45 cm. It boasts glossy leaves and intensely fragrant white flowers, making it suitable for small gardens or container planting.
• Sarcococca ruscifolia var. chinensis ‘Dragon Gate’: This variety features narrow, dark green leaves and highly fragrant cream-colored flowers, followed by red berries. It grows to about 1 meter, making it a graceful addition to shaded borders.
• Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’: An upright, dense shrub reaching around 70 cm in height. It has glossy, dark-green leaves and highly-scented white flowers opening from red buds, followed by berries that ripen from red to black.
• Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Gem’: Similar to ‘Purple Stem’, this variety features purple-tinged stems and narrow leaves, with fragrant white flowers and black berries. It grows up to 1 meter tall, adding a subtle hue to winter landscapes.
• Sarcococca saligna: A less common variety with a more open habit and willow-like leaves. It produces unscented white flowers and is hardy in average winters, growing up to 1 meter tall.
Planting and Care Tips
To ensure your Sarcococca thrives, consider the following care guidelines:
• Location: Plant in partial to full shade. While Sarcococca can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates, it’s best to provide some shade to prevent leaf scorch. They are excellent for planting under trees or in north-facing borders.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Sarcococca is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
• Feeding: Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth. An annual mulch of well-rotted compost or manure can also provide essential nutrients.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove any dead or damaged branches after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Incorporating Sarcococca into Your Garden
Sarcococca’s versatility allows it to be used in various garden settings:
• Ground Cover: Low-growing varieties like S. hookeriana var. humilis are excellent for covering bare patches in shaded areas, providing year-round greenery and winter fragrance.
• Borders and Edges: Taller varieties such as S. confusa can be used to create informal hedges or define garden borders, adding structure and interest.
• Containers: Compact forms like ‘Fragrant Valley’ and ‘Winter Gem’ thrive in containers, allowing you to enjoy their scent near doorways or patios. Use well-draining compost and ensure the container has good drainage.
• Pairings: Sarcococca pairs beautifully with ferns, hellebores, and other shade-loving plants to create a lush, textured winter garden.
Why Choose Sarcococca?
Sarcococca is a plant that gives generously with minimal effort. Its fragrant flowers, evergreen foliage, and ability to thrive in shade make it an invaluable asset to any garden. Whether you’re seeking to brighten a dull corner or enjoy a fragrant welcome at your front door, Sarcococca is a reliable and rewarding choice.
This December, take advantage of Boma Garden Centre’s special offers on Sarcococca and add this winter marvel to your outdoor space. Visit us to explore our selection and let Sarcococca fill your garden with its captivating charm.
