Sweet Box (Sarcococca confusa)

Sweet Box

Sarcococca confusa

Its winter blooms carry honeyed fragrance, a quiet gift in cold months. Evergreen low shrub; common names: Sweet Box, Christmas Box.

Prefers partial to full shade; tolerates low indoor light levels, avoid prolonged direct summer sunlight
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Prefers partial to full shade; tolerates low indoor light levels, avoid prolonged direct summer sunlight
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Watering Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C; thrives in cool to temperate conditions, protect from extreme heat above 28°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Glossy dark green elliptical evergreen leaves, arranged oppositely on slender stems
  • Flower: Tiny creamy-white tubular blooms with intense sweet fragrance, clustered in leaf axils
  • Stem: Woody, branching stems forming dense, low-growing mounds
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist, avoid allowing the substrate to dry out completely

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced feed once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn; stop feeding in late autumn

Banana peel compost tea:Use fully composted banana peels; dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching to support flowering and foliage health
Pruning
  • Thin overcrowded stems in early spring to improve airflow and light penetration
  • Remove dead or yellowing foliage as needed to maintain a tidy appearance
  • Trim lightly after flowering to preserve compact growth habit
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no known toxicity to cats

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental fragrant shrub for shade gardens; cut flower clusters for indoor fragrance displays