Sarcococca confusa

Sarcococca confusa flower (21/01/2012, London)

Position: Partial shade will tolerate full sun

Soil: Moist, well drained.

Flowering period: Winter to early spring

Eventual Height: 2m

Eventual Spread: 1m

Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Buxaceae

Sarcococca confusa (21/01/2012, London)

Sarcococca confusa is an evergreen shrub with a dense, rounded, bushy habit. The leaves are elliptic and tapered with a glossy dark green colour. Clusters of about five fragrant white flowers are borne along the shoots between the leaves during the winter months. The fruit that follows these are spherical and a glossy black colour

Sarcococca confusa, commonly known as the Christmas Box or Sweet Box, is native to east and south east Asia, including the Himalayas.

The etymological root of the binomial name Sarcococca is derived from the Greek sarx  ‘flesh’ and kokkos ’berry’. Confusa is derived from the Latin meaning ‘indistinct’.

Sarcococca confusa berry (21/01/2012, London)

Sarcococca confusa is useful to the landscape architect for its ability to grow in shady conditions and its winter scent, being much more fragrant than S. hookeriana. It can also be used as a low informal hedge. Due to its tolerance of pollution it can be used in urban setting but care should be taken to ensure it receives adequate moisture.

Ecologically, Sarcococca confusa is valuable as it attracts birds to the berries and is an excellent source of winter nectar for insects.

The Royal Horticultural Society have given Sarcococca confusa their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Sarcococca confusa prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Sarcococca confusa needs little maintenance. Any formative pruning or the removal of damaged branches should be carried out in mid spring.