Sarcococca Plants for Sale | Enhance Your Garden with Fragrant, Evergreen Shrubs

Overview

• Botanical Name: Sarcococca spp.
• Common Names: Sweet Box, Christmas Box, Fragrant Sarcococca
• Family: Buxaceae
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Hardiness Zones: 6-9
• Native Range: Eastern and Southeastern Asia
• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
• Flower Color: White or pinkish, often hidden among leaves
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves

Plantation

1. Site Selection: Choose a site with well-draining soil and partial to full shade. Sarcococca plants are shade-tolerant and thrive in woodland settings or under taller shrubs.
2. Spacing: Space plants about 3-4 feet apart to provide ample room for growth.
3. Soil: Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
4. Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are cool but not freezing.

Growing

1. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Once established, Sarcococca is moderately drought-tolerant.
2. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring before new growth emerges.
3. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature.

Care

1. Pruning: Prune Sarcococca plants in early spring, just after flowering, to maintain shape and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Minimal pruning is needed as they are slow-growing and maintain a compact shape naturally.
2. Pests and Diseases: Generally pest and disease-resistant, but watch for scale insects, leaf spot, and blight. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil and remove any affected leaves to prevent the spread of disease.
3. Winter Protection: In colder regions, protect plants with a layer of mulch or burlap wrap.

Benefits

1. Fragrant Flowers: Sarcococca plants are known for their sweet, vanilla-like fragrance that fills the air during their bloom period.
2. Low Maintenance: These evergreen shrubs require minimal care and are ideal for shaded areas where other plants may struggle.
3. Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators, and the small, dark berries provide food for birds.
4. Erosion Control: Planting Sarcococca on slopes can help prevent soil erosion due to their extensive root system.
5. Year-Round Interest: The glossy, dark green foliage provides visual interest throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings or as a backdrop for flowering perennials.