Sweet box Sarcococca hookeriana var. hookeriana
ABOUT
Commonly known as Sweet Box, this plant is an evergreen shrub characterized by its lush, glossy foliage. The leaves are leathery and rich green in color, arranged alternately on the stems. The shape of the leaves is typically elongated, with a slight point at the tip, and they possess smooth margins. During the winter season, Sweet Box produces small, inconspicuous flowers that have a powerful, sweet fragrance. These blossoms are usually white or sometimes faintly tinged with pink, nestled among the leaves and might be overlooked due to their size. After flowering, the plant may produce shiny, spherical berries that start green and turn to black or deep purple upon full maturity. The overall impression of the plant is one of a dense, compact shrub that offers year-round interests due to its evergreen nature, fragrant winter flowers, and attractive berries.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Buxaceae
Synonyms
Christmas Box, Sweet Box, Himalayan Sweet Box
Common names
Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna, Sarcococca ruscifolia var. digyna, Sarcococca ruscifolia var. hookeriana
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet box is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is advisable not to ingest any part of it as it could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Sweet box is generally considered non-toxic to pets. However, it is usually recommended to prevent pets from eating plants as they could still potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.91-1.52 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
Himalayas
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Sarcococca hookeriana var. hookeriana, commonly known as Sweet Box, features glossy evergreen foliage and sweetly fragrant white flowers, adding year-round beauty to landscapes and gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Sweet Box is known for being a low maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning or care once established, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in partial to full shade, making it a versatile choice for underplanting in wooded areas or north-facing gardens where other plants might struggle.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Sweet Box exhibits drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in regions with limited rainfall or for gardeners seeking to conserve water.
- Groundcover: With its dense growing habit, Sweet Box is effective as a groundcover, helping to suppress weeds and stabilize soil with its root system.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators during the winter months when food sources are scarce, while the berries can attract birds.
- Winter Interest: Sweet Box flowers during winter, a time when few other plants are in bloom, thus providing visual interest and fragrance during the coldest months.
- Versatility: This plant can be used in various garden settings, including borders, containers, and as a foundation planting, providing flexibility in landscape design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sarcococca hookeriana var. hookeriana, also known as Sweet Box, can be used as a natural dye source, providing a range of hues to textiles when processed with different mordants.
- The dense, compact habit of Sweet Box makes it an excellent candidate for topiary or sculptural gardening, allowing gardeners to shape it into various forms.
- Fragrance extraction from Sweet Box flowers can be used in the creation of perfumes, potpourris, or scented candles for a subtle, sweet aroma.
- As a privacy screen, Sweet Box can be planted in rows or hedges due to its evergreen nature, providing year-round foliage and screening.
- The wood of Sweet Box, being quite hard and dense, can be used for carving small objects or for making inlay work in fine woodworking projects.
- The berries of Sweet Box, while not edible, can be used for ornamental purposes in floral arrangements, wreaths, and crafts for their decorative appearance.
- Due to its tolerance of heavy shade, Sweet Box can be planted beneath larger trees as ground cover, reducing soil erosion and competing with less desirable weeds.
- In holiday decor, branches of Sweet Box can be included in Christmas wreaths or garlands, adding greenery and fragrance to festive ornaments.
- For educational purposes, Sweet Box can be used to demonstrate propagation techniques in horticulture classes, as it can be propagated by cuttings or division.
- Sweet Box can serve as a habitat and food source for wildlife, such as birds who may feed on its berries, promoting biodiversity in a garden setting.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Sarcococca hookeriana var. hookeriana, commonly known as Sweet Box, often symbolizes purity due to its bright white flowers.
- Protection: Sweet Box is thought to provide protection, as its evergreen nature represents enduring life and safety.
- Rebirth: The plant signifies rebirth and new beginnings; it blooms in late winter, heralding the imminent arrival of spring.
- Peace: The delicate scent of Sweet Box's flowers is believed to bring peace and tranquility to one's surroundings.
- Hope: As a plant that flowers in the harshest season, Sweet Box represents hope during difficult times.
WaterSweetbox prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Typically, this plant should be watered weekly, but during hot, dry periods, it may need watering two to three times per week. Each time you water the sweetbox, aim to provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, ensuring that it reaches the roots without flooding the plant. During winter, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Over-watering should be avoided to prevent root rot, especially in areas with heavy clay soils that retain moisture.
LightSweetbox thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for planting under taller trees or on the north side of buildings where direct sunlight is limited. The plant can tolerate a few hours of filtered morning light but should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun. An ideal spot would be one that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day, mimicking its natural habitat in woodland conditions.
TemperatureSweetbox is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, thriving best between 60°F to 80°F. It can withstand winter temperatures as low as 0°F, making it suitable for planting in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 8. The plant does not do well in excessive heat, with temperatures above 90°F potentially causing stress.
PruningSweetbox should be pruned to maintain its shape or to remove any dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just after the plant has finished flowering. Pruning should be done sparingly, as sweetbox grows slowly and excessive cutting back can reduce its lush appearance. Always use clean, sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts and minimize stress to the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet box prefers moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A good mix might include garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
RepottingSweet box should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound and growth appears to slow down.
Humidity & MistingSweet box thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of indoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place sweet box in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh winds, and mulch root area.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleSarcococca hookeriana var. hookeriana, commonly known as Sweet Box, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after dispersal, typically germinates in the cool, moist soil of its native understory habitat. The seed develops into a young seedling with a small root system and a series of leaves that engage in photosynthesis and initiate the growth phase. Over the years, the seedling matures into an evergreen shrub, slowly expanding in height and width with the development of woody stems and a denser root network. During late winter to early spring, Sweet Box produces small, fragrant white flowers that are followed by the formation of glossy, black berries if pollination occurs. These berries serve as a means to propagate the plant when they are dispersed by animals or natural forces. The plant can also spread vegetatively through underground rhizomes, leading to the formation of dense clusters and the continuation of its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Sarcococca hookeriana var. hookeriana, commonly known as Christmas box or sweet box, is most commonly propagated through semi-ripe cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in late summer. To propagate, a healthy, semi-ripe stem is selected; this is a stem that is not brand new and sappy but has also not turned fully woody. The cutting, usually around 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters), is cut just below a node, the point on the stem where leaves emerge. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can 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 to provide good drainage and moisture retention. The cutting needs to be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have established, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the young plants can be transferred to individual pots and eventually planted out in the garden when they've grown strong enough.
