Sarcococca: How to Grow and Prune It

Botany

Sarcococca is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Buxaceae family. A close relative of boxwood, it shares the same tolerance for dry shade. This genus comprises around fifteen species of evergreen shrubs native to cool, shaded areas of Southeast Asia, China, and the Himalayas. The most well-known, Sarcococca confusa, can grow over 2 m tall. However, there are other equally cultivated varieties: S. hookeriana, S. humilis, S. ruscifolia, and S. saligna.

Sarcococca grows naturally in thickets and moist high-altitude forests.

Sarcococca forms a compact, rhizomatous bush, producing numerous suckers. It establishes itself slowly but surely among tree roots: with age, some spreading or stoloniferous varieties (S. hookeriana) form extensive colonies without becoming invasive. Perfect for areas where nothing else grows in shade!

The plant grows in clumps, with stems naturally emerging from the base and spreading over the years. Sarcococca has a dense, compact, bushy habit, more or less spreading, reaching about 1 to 2 m in width at maturity. Dwarf varieties, being less bulky, can be planted anywhere. The size varies by species (60 cm for the smallest varieties) but never exceeds two metres in height; thus, Sarcococca is ideal for edging paths, low hedges, ground cover, or masking walls. These tough species grow very slowly, so patience is required for a well-established plant. However, flowering occurs even when the shrub is young.

Sarcococca hookeriana humilis – Photo: Dinkum

Flowering is Sarcococca’s main asset. It is early, occurring even in freezing conditions! From December to March, small, delicate white inflorescences 3 to 5 mm long appear along the stems at the leaf axils. While female flowers are very discreet, male flowers, lacking petals, reveal large white, green-tinged, or pink stamens (depending on the variety) with bright yellow or pink anthers. Though unremarkable in appearance, they emit a powerful fragrance of jasmine, lily of the valley, or vanilla that perfumes the surrounding area. This highly scented bloom lasts about two months, depending on the climate.

Flowers of Sarcococca confusa – Photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma

In autumn, the flowers give way to inedible red or purple fruits (drupes) less than a centimetre in diameter, turning bluish-black by autumn. These fleshy, glossy berries sometimes appear alongside flowers, creating a striking contrast. Resembling pearls or small olives, they are much loved by birds. This fruiting enhances the shrub’s decorative appeal, maintaining interest even after flowering.

In summer, it forms attractive bushy clumps with foliage somewhat resembling that of an olive tree. The evergreen leaves are glossy, lanceolate to oblong, 3 to 15 cm long, and dark green in colour.

Sarcococca saligna – Photo: Dinesh Valke

Despite its thick foliage and robust form, Sarcococca dislikes two things: full sun (especially south of the Loire) and chalky soil. It prefers slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils, as it hates waterlogged conditions. It tolerates root-filled soils. A partially shaded spot, under trees or in dense woodland shade, suits it perfectly.

Its only minor demand is shelter from cold, drying winds to protect its flowering. Temporary droughts are not problematic, with occasional summer watering sufficient if prolonged.

Fruits of Sarcococca hookeriana – Photo: Denis Prévôt

Sarcococca is very hardy, tolerating temperatures below -10°C, even down to -15°C, if planted in a sheltered position. It thrives throughout France, particularly in oceanic climates. In colder regions, mulch the base in early winters or during exceptional cold spells.

Easy to care for, Sarcococca withstands pollution, dry shade, neglect, and is resistant to diseases and pests. Note that some varieties, like Sarcococca humilis, are well-suited to container growing.

Species and varieties

Species and Main Varieties

Our Favourite Varieties

Other Interesting Varieties

There are eleven species of Sarcococca along with a few selected hybrids chosen for their size and flower colour. Among the most common, which you can easily find in garden centres, are: Sarcococca confusa, which can reach 2m in height, Sarcococca humilis with its compact, rounded shape, and S. hookeriana, a spreading species perfect for slopes.

• Sarcococca confusa or Sweet Box: a compact, rounded shrub. The evergreen foliage is dense right from the base. Its leaves are stiff and dark, with highly fragrant flowers.
• Sarcococca hookeriana: very similar to S. Confusa, this is a rhizomatous, spreading shrub that tends to expand more than other species. It is therefore ideal as ground cover, sheltered from draughts. Native to the Himalayas, it is very cold-hardy. It was named in honour of Joseph Dalton Hooker and William Jackson Hooker, two distinguished botanists and directors of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in England. It produces highly fragrant cream-white flowers.
• Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis or Sarcococca humilis: the most widespread cultivar. It forms a dwarf bush. Plant in groups for ground-cover effect. Its highly fragrant white flowers, tinged with pink, produce attractive dark blue berries.
• Sarcococca ruscifolia or Sweet Box: still relatively unknown and rare in French gardens. Its species name comes from the resemblance of its leaves to those of Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus). This is a small, dense shrub with a globular shape and arching stems, eventually reaching no more than 1m in all directions after many years. Its growth is quite slow. With its compact shape, it structures small spaces in winter. Its evergreen foliage is dark glossy green on top, lighter underneath. It produces attractive round red fruits in summer and has highly fragrant flowers.
• Sarcococca saligna or Willow-leaved Sweet Box: its light green foliage, finer than other varieties, resembles willow leaves. Its winter flowers are almost scentless, unusual for this genus. With a beautiful, spreading yet compact shape, its large leaves cascade like a cloak of feathers over its branches. Its discreet winter blooms are followed by small, decorative purple fruits.
• Sarcococca orientalis or Oriental Sweet Box: a small, dense shrub with compact growth and arching stems, also very slow-growing. Suitable for small gardens. This particularly floriferous Chinese species has an upright, compact shape with large, evergreen, dark green, elongated, thick and glossy leaves. In winter, clusters of small white flowers with pink anthers appear, releasing an extraordinary fragrance. These are followed by small red then black fruits, quite decorative.

Sarcococca confusa

Sarcococca confusa: its compact shape makes it very versatile.

• Height at maturity 1,50 m

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Sarcococca hookeriana

Sarcococca hookeriana: very similar to S. Confusa, this rhizomatous spreading shrub is ideal as ground cover. Highly fragrant flowers.

• Height at maturity 80 cm

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Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna

Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna: this compact variety differs from the species type with longer, narrower and more flexible leaves. We love its miniature olive tree appearance !

• Flowering time February to April
• Height at maturity 90 cm

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Sarcococca ruscifolia

Sarcococca ruscifolia: we love its evergreen, glossy green foliage, very decorative, bearing clusters of small, milky-white, highly fragrant flowers in winter.

• Flowering time February, March
• Height at maturity 1 m

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Sarcococca saligna

Sarcococca saligna: very hardy, this Sarcococca seems one of the easiest to acclimatise in our gardens, as it is adaptable to both soil type and exposure.

• Height at maturity 1,40 m

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• Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’: with young shoots shaded dark rosy-purple and pink-tinged flowers.
• Sarcococca ruscifolia var.chinensis: attractive with its elegantly arching stems, oval-elongated dark glossy green leaves and highly fragrant white flowers.
• Sarcococca ‘Winter Gem’: we love this small hybrid with dense foliage and fragrant flowers throughout winter.

Planting Sarcococca

Where to Plant?

While it thrives particularly well in oceanic climates, Sarcococca can be grown throughout France. This fairly hardy shrub can withstand occasional temperatures as low as -15°C. However, it should be planted in a spot sheltered from cold, dry winds, which can damage its flowering. In colder regions, mulch the base during the first few winters or during exceptionally cold spells.

Sarcococca is so undemanding that it is often placed in dry, shady corners of the garden. It does not tolerate chalky soil, so plant it in humus-rich, slightly acidic soil that is moist but well-drained. Although Sarcococca can be paired with ericaceous plants, it also grows very well in neutral soil.

Sarcococca can be grown in flower beds, woodland settings, informal low hedges, or as ground cover.

It is ideal when planted beneath large deciduous trees, as they naturally provide the shade and drainage that Sarcococca loves.

It can be planted freely along low walls, near frequently used pathways, close to an entrance, or in pots beneath windows where its sweetly scented winter blooms will perfume the air. In small urban gardens, Sarcococca helps conceal unsightly walls while requiring minimal care.

It is compact and won’t overshadow neighbouring plants. It pairs well with a variety of shade or partial-shade plants, even among tree roots—ferns, witch hazel, skimmias, aucubas, or azaleas.

When to Plant?

Plant between February and April or September to November, avoiding periods of heavy frost, extreme heat, or snowfall.

How to Plant?

Sarcococca is undemanding, making planting straightforward:

• Dig a hole at least three times the size of the root ball.
• Ensure good drainage (its roots dislike waterlogging) by adding a 20 cm layer of compost or ericaceous soil mixed with garden soil, and optionally some sand to lighten the texture.
• Finish by spreading organic mulch.
• Water thoroughly after transplanting and for the next two to three weeks. Occasional summer watering is sufficient during prolonged dry spells. Once established, it becomes quite drought-resistant.

Planting – Sarcococca hookeriana humilis – Photo: Wouter Hagens

A single Sarcococca plant can create a striking effect, especially taller varieties when mixed with other evergreen shrubs. Lower, spreading varieties like S. hookeriana are perfect for slopes, where they will gradually multiply. For a dense, fragrant winter display, opt for group planting.

Container planting is also common—use a 20-litre pot filled with a mix of compost and 20% sand. Placed on a shaded terrace near the house, its fragrance will delight you all winter.

→ Learn more in our article Growing Sarcococca in Pots

Care and Pruning of Sarcococca

This is a low-maintenance shrub that thrives on neglect and tough growing conditions.

Pruning is not essential: this shrub grows slowly, much like dwarf conifers. If it develops an unattractive shape: prune lightly after flowering to maintain a harmonious form, but in this case it will not produce fruit.

Fertilisation is limited to a surface application of compost in autumn.

For potted specimens, repotting every 5 years will be necessary.

Hardy, it tolerates pollution perfectly and is never diseased or attacked by pests.

Propagation of Sarcococca

By cuttings:

Take cuttings in summer using semi-ripe shoots (stems that are transitioning from softwood to hardwood). Cuttings of 7 cm, cut just below a bud, should have a brown woody base and a green growing tip. At this stage of development, rooting is more successful. Remove the lower leaves and bury two-thirds of the stem in a moist peat-based mix. The mix should never dry out completely. Overwinter in a frost-free place, then transplant in spring.

By layering:

Like cuttings, layering allows you to easily, quickly, and inexpensively produce plants identical to the parent. Layering is simpler and less demanding than cuttings, as it often occurs naturally on the shrub: mature Sarcococcas produce low branches that layer naturally, meaning they tend to root where they touch the soil.

This technique involves encouraging roots to form and develop on a portion of a stem that is temporarily buried near the parent plant. In spring or early summer, bury long, low branches in a 40 cm deep trench until they root. Separate well-rooted suckers in autumn or the following spring and grow them in pots for a year before planting out.

By division:

You can easily propagate Sarcococca by dividing clumps. In late winter, use a spade to cut away the oldest suckers and replant them immediately, ensuring thorough watering.

Association

A winter garden staple, Sarcococca pairs beautifully with acid-loving plants such as Ferns, Azaleas, Pieris, Witch Hazels or Rhododendrons. Like the Sarcococca, these plants thrive in acidic soils and will create stunning combinations of flowers and foliage.

Versatile, Sarcococca adapt to all gardens and uses: as a low hedge alongside various shrubs, or as a backdrop in borders for taller varieties. It can be paired with variegated evergreen shrubs like Aucubas or Daphne, or with colourful stems such as those of Dogwoods.

Sarcococca hookeriana digyna, Aucuba japonica variegata, Daphne odora aureomarginata

As ground cover beneath large deciduous trees, it provides evergreen interest throughout winter when the trees are bare. To enjoy its persistent foliage and fragrance, plant it in pots on a shaded terrace or near entrances. Combined with Hellebores, Winter Heathers, Heucheras, and small spring bulbs (Daffodils, Crocuses, Wood Hyacinths, Snowdrops…), it creates compositions that are as fragrant as they are luminous.

Don’t miss out on this shrub that perfumes and brightens up winter!