Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box

Sarcococca hookeriana 'Purplerij1'

Proven Winners®

Compact Dwarf Form Stays Under 5 Feet, Perfect for Shade Gardens and Small Spaces
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Red, White Blooms in Early Spring
Excellent Hedge in Cottage Gardens

$26¹⁴

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container #2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen thrives in full shade to partial shade. Aim for two to four hours of soft morning sun because intense afternoon light can scorch the glossy leaves and bleach their deep green color.
Soil: Plant in rich and well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost at planting time to improve drainage so the roots do not sit in standing water.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist for the first year to help the root system establish itself properly. Once mature, Sweet Box can handle short dry spells, but inconsistent watering often leads to leaf drop or less fragrant winter blooms. Think of the goal as keeping the soil like a wrung out sponge rather than soaking wet.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety blooms on old wood, you should only prune immediately after the fragrant white flowers fade in early spring. This plant is naturally compact, so treat pruning like a light trim to maintain shape rather than a heavy haircut. Pruning early allows the plant enough time to develop the buds needed for next season's display.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to appear. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall. This prevents the plant from pushing out tender new growth that would likely get nipped and damaged by the first hard frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Looking for a fragrant evergreen groundcover that thrives in the shade? Say hello to Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box (Sarcococca hookeriana 'Purplerij1'), a broadleaf evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green foliage and dainty, highly fragrant shrubs, white winter flowers that perfume the garden with a sweet vanilla-jasmine scent.

Unlike taller relatives, this dwarf Proven Winners® selection stays neat and compact, perfect for edging or mass planting. Its lustrous leaves are narrow and pointed, offering year-round texture and interest. In late winter, its inconspicuous but powerfully scented blooms are followed by shiny black berries that add extra ornamental value. Sweet & Lo™ is beloved not only for its fragrance but also for its resilience and tidy, mounded form that looks fantastic in groups.

Native to Asia, Sweet Box has long been cherished in gardens for its winter fragrance and shade tolerance. It belongs to the Boxwood family (Buxaceae), giving it a refined evergreen quality without the need for shearing.

Key Features

Compact broad-leaved evergreen shrub
Grows 2-3 feet tall and wide with a tidy habit
Powerfully fragrant white winter flowers with a vanilla-jasmine scent
Glossy dark green foliage with black berries in spring
Shade-loving, low-maintenance choice for year-round interest

Landscaping Uses

Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box is a must-have for shady garden spots and small spaces. Its fragrance alone makes it worth planting near walkways, patios, and entryways. This compact beauty grows just 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it a tidy, low-growing addition to shady beds, borders, and woodland gardens.

Ideal for shady foundation plantings
Mass planted as a fragrant evergreen groundcover
Perfect edging for shaded borders and pathways
Container accent for shaded patios or courtyards
Shrubs for shade companion with Ferns, Hostas, and Astilbe

Care & Maintenance

Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box thrives in USDA zones 5-9. This is a broad-leaved evergreen shrub that handles shade beautifully while keeping a tidy, compact form. It's easy-care, fragrant, and resilient in a variety of settings.

Planting Time: Best in spring or fall for root establishment
Sun Requirements: Partial to full shade - avoid hot afternoon sun
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, rich soils; tolerates clay if drainage is good
Moisture Needs: Keep evenly moist; use the Finger Test. New plants need consistent watering in their first year
Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch to conserve moisture and insulate roots
Fertilization Needs: Feed in spring with compost or a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer
Pruning Info: Minimal pruning needed - lightly shape after flowering if desired
Special Perks: Shade-tolerant, low-maintenance, pest and disease-resistant, fragrant winter blooms, evergreen foliage for year-round structure

Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal symbiotic root support.

Sweet Fragrance, Low-Growing Charm

Plant the Proven Winners® Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box and enjoy a shady garden staple with unforgettable winter fragrance. Order your Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box today from NatureHills.com and bring year-round evergreen beauty with a fragrant surprise to your garden!

Botanical Name

Sarcococca hookeriana 'Purplerij1'
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

hookeriana
Cultivar

Purplerij1
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

2-3 ft
Width

2-3 ft
Sunlight

Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Red, White
Leaf Color

Green
Fall Color

Evergreen
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box hardy in?

Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. This broadleaf evergreen tolerates cold winters well while maintaining its glossy foliage year-round. Plant it in partial to full shade for best results.

Is Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box deer resistant?

Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box is generally deer resistant due to its dense, glossy evergreen foliage that deer typically avoid. This compact 2-3 foot shrub works well in zones 5-9 for creating deer-proof foundation plantings or shade borders. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance solution.

What size container will my Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box arrive in?

Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box typically arrives in a 1-gallon container, ready for planting in zones 5-9. This compact shrub will mature to 2-3 feet tall and wide. Plant it in partial to full shade where you can enjoy its vanilla-jasmine winter fragrance.

Does Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box need regular pruning or shaping?

Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box requires minimal pruning thanks to its naturally tidy, compact growth habit. This dwarf selection maintains its neat 2-3 foot mounded form without regular shaping. If needed, lightly prune after flowering in late winter to maintain size.

Can Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box tolerate drought conditions once mature?

Sweet & Lo™ Sweet Box develops moderate drought tolerance once established, though it prefers consistent moisture in its preferred shade conditions. This hardy shrub (zones 5-9) benefits from regular watering during dry spells for best performance. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance shade solution.