Sweetbox Sarcococca trinervia

Water

Sarcococca, commonly known as Sweet Box, prefers to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once a week, depending on the environmental conditions. During active growth in the spring and summer, it may need more frequent watering. Aim to provide the Sweet Box with about 1 gallon of water each time you water it, adjusting based on the plant's size and the weather. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week, ensuring that soil doesn't become too dry

Light

Sweet Box thrives best in partial to full shade conditions, making it ideal for spots that receive filtered sunlight or dappled shade. Avoid placing it in direct, intense sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. A north-facing spot that gets some morning light or a shaded area under a tree with bright, indirect light would be perfect for the Sweet Box

Temperature

Sweet Box is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from a minimum of about 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to a maximum of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. However, it thrives in cooler temperate zones with an ideal temperature range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the plant from extreme cold and hot temperatures to prevent damage

Pruning

Pruning of Sweet Box is generally done to maintain its shape or remove any dead or diseased wood. It is best pruned after flowering, which typically occurs in late winter or early spring. Pruning can be done annually, though the plant tolerates cutting back quite well if more drastic shaping is needed. Remove any crossing branches and thin out crowded areas to ensure good air circulation and light penetration throughout the plant

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sweet Box prefers a well-draining, humus-rich soil mix with an acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7. A good mixture might include garden soil, compost, and perlite or pine bark fines to ensure proper drainage and aeration for the roots.

Repotting

Sweet Box typically requires repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and allow for growth. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet Box thrives in moderate to high humidity environments but is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity levels found in most home settings.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Sweet Box in bright, indirect light with moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in shaded area with moist, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Sarcococca trinervia, also known as Sweetbox, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in moist, shady conditions, typically in spring. The seedlings develop into young plants with a robust root system and glossy evergreen leaves. As the plants mature, they form dense clumps and produce small, fragrant white flowers, usually in late winter or early spring. Following pollination, often by insects attracted to the scent, the flowers give way to shiny black berries. These berries are eaten by birds, which help in seed dispersal. Sweetbox is a perennial shrub, so once it reaches maturity, it will go through a cycle of flowering and fruiting annually for many years, often with little need for intervention.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter to early spring

• Sarcococca trinervia, commonly known as Sweet Box, is most effectively propagated through semi-ripe cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the current year's growth, typically in late summer. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, with the lower leaves removed. The base of the cutting is often dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. These prepared cuttings are then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of perlite and peat, ensuring that the leaf nodes are buried where roots will form. The pot should be placed in a warm environment with indirect light and kept moist. It usually takes several weeks for rooting to occur, after which the new Sweet Box plants can gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions before being transplanted into the garden.