WSU Clark County Extension
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Himalayan Sarcococca

Scientific name: Sarcococca hookeriana
Taxonomy
Family:Buxaceae
Type:Groundcovers evergreen
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:7 to 9
Sun:Partial shade to full shade
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:2 ft
Width:4 ft
Bloom:Fragrant flowers
Bloom Time:February to April
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description A very good large scale shade-loving groundcover, Sarcocca is valued for its sweet fragrance, handsome foliage and manageable nature for a spreading plant. Also known as Dwarf Fragrant Sweetbox.

  Morphology:
A slow to moderate growing evergreen ground cover that attains a height of 24”. Bears lustrous dark green leaves which are oblong to narrow lanceolate, and are 2”-4” long. A mature clump produces underground stolons, which can lead to its spread over a 3’ wide area.

Starting in February flowers will begin to form. Flowers consist of tiny, creamy-white tubular petals which fill the surrounding area with a wonderful fragrance, thus the name Sweetbox.

Flowers morph to shiny black small (1/4”) round berries in the fall.

  Adaptation:
Sarcococca prefers partial shade to shade; and likes an organically enriched, well-drained acidic soil. Foliage will burn if it is given too much sun. In addition the foliage will be light green if the soil is not acidic.

  Pests:
Not bothered by pests.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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