Sarcococca hookeriana

Taxonomy

Sarcococca hookeriana, also known as the Himalayan sweet box, is a low-growing evergreen shrub that can reach heights of 12-24 inches. It is native to, Afghanistan, North East India, Bhutan, and Nepal, and produces aromatic white flowers in winter, followed by black berries. There are several varieties of Sarcococca hookeriana, with different appearances and nomenclature. This plant is often used as groundcover in gardens and is fully hardy down to -15°C. The cultivar 'Purple Stem' has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It has glossy, dark-green leaves and highly scented white flowers that open from red buds in winter. The flowers are followed by spherical fruit that ripen from red to black. Sweetbox is a slow-spreading shrub that can reach heights of 5 feet and widths of 6 feet in shady areas of the landscape.

How to care for Sarcococca hookeriana

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Sarcococca hookeriana is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Lighting

Sarcococca hookeriana thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Sarcococca hookeriana.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.


More info:
Wikipedia