Sarcococca ruscifolia aka Fragrant Sweet Box

Taxonomy

Sarcococca ruscifolia, also known as "野扇花," is a species of flowering plant in the box family Buxaceae. Native to China, specifically in regions such as Gansu, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Shanxi, Sichuan, C, NW, and SE Yunnan, it thrives on forested mountain slopes. This compact evergreen shrub can reach a height and width of 1 meter (3.3 ft) and features shiny oval leaves. During winter, it produces fragrant white flowers that are followed by red berries. The specific epithet "ruscifolia" derives from its resemblance to Ruscus (butcher's broom) leaves. Apart from its natural habitat, Sarcococca ruscifolia is also cultivated as an ornamental plant. It can withstand temperatures as low as -15 °C (5 °F), but it prefers a sheltered location in full or partial shade. The cultivar 'Dragon Gate' has even received the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This small, slow-growing shrub remains evergreen throughout the year and boasts glossy oval leaves. Its fragrant, creamy-white flowers bloom in winter, followed by dark red berries. Sarcococca ruscifolia is known for its drought tolerance and resistance to damage caused by deer.

Common names

Fragrant Sweet Box, Sweet Box

How to care for Fragrant Sweet Box

Difficulty

Caring for Fragrant Sweet Box is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Fragrant Sweet Box should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Fragrant Sweet Box loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Fragrant Sweet Box prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Fragrant Sweet Box should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia