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Fragrant Sweet Box

Sarcococca ruscifolia

Nature Hills Nursery
  • Late Winter Fragrance in Dry Shade: Sweet Box Plant that Thrives Where Others Fail
  • Thrives in Zones 7-9
  • Grows 4-5 ft Tall, 1-4 ft Wide
  • Showy White Blooms From Late Winter to Early Spring
  • Ideal for Hedge or Foundation Planting
$4029
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Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Evergreen, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Fragrant, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Container Friendly, Disease resistant
Hardiness Zone 7b9b
Sunlight Partial shade, Shade
Height 4-5 ft
Width 1-4 ft
Watering Needs Moderate
Preferred Soil Peaty
Growth Rate Slow
Growth Habit Bushy
Blooms In Spring, Winter
Flower Color White
Foliage Color Green
Fragrant Yes
Suitable Space Outdoors
Botanical Name Sarcococca ruscifolia
Species ruscifolia
Class Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Fragrant Sweet Box tolerate dry shade or low light conditions?
  • Fragrant Sweet Box excels in dry shade where most plants struggle, needing only 4 hours of sun or filtered light daily. This resilient broadleaf evergreen thrives in tough spots like under trees or missed by sprinklers. Plant it in any well-drained soil for reliable year-round foliage.

Is Fragrant Sweet Box deer and rabbit resistant?
  • Fragrant Sweet Box is generally deer resistant due to its dense, glossy foliage and strong fragrance that deer typically avoid. Rabbits may occasionally nibble young shoots but rarely cause significant damage to established plants. For best protection, plant in groups as hedging where these 4-5 foot shrubs can support each other, available at naturehills.com.

When does Fragrant Sweet Box bloom, and how fragrant are the flowers?
  • Fragrant Sweet Box blooms in late winter to early spring with intensely fragrant white flowers that smell like hyacinths. The blooms last for weeks and are highly attractive to pollinators. Plant in part shade to full shade for best flowering performance.

How do I prune Fragrant Sweet Box, and when is the best time?
  • Prune Fragrant Sweet Box immediately after its late winter/early spring flowering finishes to avoid removing next year's buds. Light pruning works best since this shrub naturally maintains its 4-5 foot height and 4 foot spread. Simply trim wayward branches and lightly shape as needed.

Which shipping zones or schedules do you use for Fragrant Sweet Box plants?
  • Fragrant Sweet Box ships based on your growing zone's optimal planting windows, typically spring and fall. Since these hardy shrubs adapt to various climates and can handle dry shade, they're available for most zones at naturehills.com. Check your zone's shipping calendar for best transplant timing.
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