Sweetbox Sarcococca confusa

Water

Sweet Box prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly but avoid waterlogging. Generally, watering once a week with approximately half a gallon of water is sufficient, although this may vary depending on climate and soil drainage. During dry spells or in particularly hot weather, the frequency may need to increase to twice a week. However, in cooler months or when rainfall is abundant, watering can be reduced. Always ensure the top inch of soil is dry before watering again to prevent root rot.

Light

Sweet Box thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal plant for shadowed areas of the garden where other plants may struggle. This plant does best in a spot that is shielded from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. A location under the canopy of larger trees or on the north side of a building is typically the perfect spot for Sweet Box.

Temperature

Sweet Box is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers a cooler climate. It can withstand winters in zones 6 to 9, which translates to minimum temperatures of about -10 to -0 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for Sweet Box is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season, while it remains remarkably resilient in colder winter weather.

Pruning

Sweet Box should be pruned to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, which is also the best time to remove any damaged or diseased branches. It doesn’t need heavy pruning; just shaping and thinning out will keep it looking its best. Typically, pruning every couple of years is sufficient unless the plant is being used as a hedge or in formal gardens where more frequent pruning may be necessary to maintain a specific shape.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet Box prefers moist, well-drained soil mixed with compost and organic matter. The best soil pH for this evergreen shrub is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of two parts garden soil, one part well-rotted compost, and one part perlite or sand can create an ideal environment for Sweet Box. Adjusting pH with sulfur or limestone may be necessary to maintain the optimal range.

Repotting

Sweet Box is typically a slow-growing plant and does not need to be repotted frequently. It can be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage and is only slightly larger than the previous one.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet Box thrives best in moderate to high humidity environments. It prefers humidity levels between 50% and 70%, which closely replicate its natural understory habitat. Avoid placing it in excessively dry conditions or near heat sources which can reduce humidity levels.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Sweet Box near a window with filtered light and ensure high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant Sweet Box in shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Sarcococca confusa, commonly known as Sweet Box, starts its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature, typically in shaded areas. The seedling grows slowly, developing a robust root system and evergreen foliage, with the plant preferring a sheltered position and well-drained soil. As it matures into a bushy shrub, it produces dense, glossy leaves and, in late winter to early spring, tiny but highly fragrant white flowers emerge, providing winter interest and fragrance. Following pollination, which is often aided by insects, the flowers develop into small, spherical, glossy black berries that may persist into the following winter. These berries contain seeds that, once dropped or dispersed, can give rise to new plants, continuing the species' growth cycle. Over time, Sweet Box can form dense clumps and may require occasional pruning to maintain a desired shape and to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• Sweet Box, commonly known as Sarcococca confusa, is propagated by semi-ripe cuttings during the late summer months. Most gardeners find this method both practical and successful. To propagate by cuttings, one would cut a piece of the stem that has a few leaves and is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. This stem piece should be semi-ripe, which means it's from the current year's growth but has had time to partly harden. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring the environment is kept humid and in indirect light. Roots typically form in a few weeks, after which the new Sweet Box plant can be transferred to a larger pot or directly into the garden.