sarcococca care - GARDENING
Learn all about Sarcococca - choose the best ones to grow, where to buy, where to plant and care advice from RHS experts. Sarcococca confusa is a compact, evergreen shrub admired for its dark green, glossy foliage and intensely fragrant winter flowers. The leaves are broad, smooth, and slightly rippled, giving the plant a polished, refined appearance year-round.
Context Explanation
The genus name, Sarcococca, originates from the words sarco, meaning "flesh," and kokkos, meaning "berry." The epithet, confusa, means "confused" and references their being confused with other species. The genus Sarcococca, commonly called Sweet Box or Christmas Box, is a collection of evergreen shrubs highly valued in the landscape for their winter presence. These plants offer interest during the colder months when most other garden elements are dormant. There are 15 species of Sarcococca, which are mostly found in the forests of China, as well as other parts of Asia.
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Insight Material
The plant's Latin name comes from the Greek sarkos (fleshy) and kokkos (seed), referring to the berries the plant produces. A low-growing evergreen shrub, Sarcococca “is an exquisite plant and practical too, putting up with neglect and atmospheric pollution,” writes Kendra. “Plant one by the front door and get to know it during the winter months.” Sarcococca is an evergreen bush with delightfully fragrant flowers in winter. Discover our tips for planting, cultivating, and pruning it. Sarcococca hookeriana commonly called sweetbox is a low-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub to 5' tall that spreads, albeit slowly, by stolons to 6' wide or more over time in shady areas of the landscape.