What: Few shrubs reach their peak in the middle of winter, but that is precisely when Sarcococca ruscifolia, commonly called fragrant sweetbox, begins to shine. Tiny white flowers hidden amongst its glossy, dark-green foliage, open to release a delightful perfume of sweet vanilla. The perfume wafts in the winter air from January through February, and brings to mind the smells of a Swedish bakery. Following flowering, small scarlet berries appear. This cool-season charmer thrives in shade and tolerates dry shade once it is established. Place this shrub near shady entrances to revel in the winter fragrance. It can be used as a single specimen threaded among an evergreen border or planted in drifts to maximize its floral fragrance. It also thrives in woodland settings.
Where: Sweetbox grows best in open to deep shade in locations protected from hot afternoon sun. It prefers a rich moist to well-drained soil, but will tolerate sandy locations and clay if the drainage is adequate.
Size: Sarcococca ruscifolia grows to be 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide when mature.
Care: Once established, fragrant sweetbox is drought tolerant, but it appreciates occasional watering during long, dry spells. It is slow to become established, often taking a couple of years to settle in. Little pruning is needed other than the occasional removal of dead or broken branches. In severe and sudden cold snaps it can defoliate, but it will leaf out in spring.
— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks
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