Description

Sarcococca confusa is a compact evergreen shrub that earns its place in any garden. Looking for sarcococca (Christmas box) that looks great and is easy to grow? Sarcococca confusa is a compact evergreen shrub with tiny, intensely fragrant winter flowers that scent the whole garden, with glossy dark leaves. Grown at our St Annes nursery in North West England, it is supplied well rooted and ready to plant.

Sarcococca, known as Christmas box or sweet box, is a compact evergreen grown for its tiny, intensely fragrant winter flowers, which scent the air on cold days. Glossy leaves and berries make it attractive all year.

Key features of Sarcococca confusa

• Plant type: Compact evergreen shrub
• Season of interest: Winter
• Height and spread: 0.6–1.5m (varies with site and pruning)
• Position: Part or full shade
• Soil: Any moist, well-drained soil, including dry shade
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Supplied in: 3L pot
• Best for: winter scent by doors and paths, shady borders, low hedging, winter containers

Where to plant Sarcococca confusa

Sarcococca confusa grows best in part or full shade, in any moist, well-drained soil, including dry shade. It is a good choice for winter scent by doors and paths, and also works well for shady borders, low hedging and winter containers. Pair with hellebores, snowdrops, ferns and skimmias.

How to plant Sarcococca confusa

Water the plant well in its pot an hour before planting. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, loosen the soil at the base, and mix in some garden compost. Set the plant at the same level it sat in the pot, backfill, firm gently and water in thoroughly.

How to care for Sarcococca confusa

Water in the first summer; mulch with compost in spring. Needs almost no pruning; trim lightly after flowering. Needs almost no pruning; trim lightly after flowering if needed. Generally trouble-free; healthy plants in the right spot rarely suffer problems.

Growing Sarcococca confusa in a pot

Excellent in pots by doors where the scent can be enjoyed. Use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No. 3, make sure the pot has drainage holes, and water regularly in summer, as containers dry out faster than borders.

Grown in the UK, for UK gardens

We grow our plants ourselves at St Annes in North West England. Raised outdoors and under cover in UK conditions, they are acclimatised, well rooted and ready to plant on arrival. This Sarcococca confusa is supplied in a 3L pot. Container-grown plants can be planted almost all year round, as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged; autumn and spring are ideal.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Sarcococca confusa grow?
Sarcococca confusa typically reaches 0.6–1.5m (varies with site and pruning), depending on position, soil and pruning.

When does Sarcococca confusa look its best?
Its main season of interest is winter.

Is Sarcococca confusa hardy?
Fully hardy.

How do I prune Sarcococca confusa?
Needs almost no pruning; trim lightly after flowering if needed.

Does Sarcococca confusa grow in shade?
Yes. It is one of the best shrubs for shade, including dry shade.

When does Sarcococca confusa flower?
In winter, usually from December to February.

Add Sarcococca confusa to your basket today and enjoy winter interest in your garden.