Fragrant Sarcococca

Sarcococca confusa (sar-ko-KOH-a con-FU-sa)

Family: Buxaceae Non-native Shrub (3-15 ft)

The fragrant sarcococca is a bushy broadleaf evergreen shrub that measures 3 to 5 feet tall and as wide. The shrub is mounding with upright arching green stems. It has a loose form in youth and becomes densely branched and rounded with age. Tiny creamy-white flowers bloom in the winter and have a sweet vanilla fragrance. The foliage is glossy, wavy, and dark green. After flowering shiny red berries appear that transition to black and may persist through winter. It is a member of the Buxaceae or boxwood family. Fragrant sarcococca is believed to be a native of China. There is some confusion about its origin. Since it has not been seen in the wild, it is believed that it may be a hybrid of two Chinese species. 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. This shrub prefers full to partial shade and tolerates most soil and pH types. They need moist, well-drained soil and are hardy in zones 6 through 9. They have a slow to moderate growth rate. The shrub is resistant to deer and rabbits and is tolerant of pollution and drought if planted in the shade. Consider the fragrant sarcococca for winter flowering interest in the landscape. They may be used as a border, hedge, screening, patio, or lining a walkway. The year-round green shrub, scented winter flowers, and berries would be a lovely addition to a home garden. Seasons of Interest: Bloom: Winter Foliage: Year-round Fruit: Summer to Winter Quick ID Hints: densely branched broadleaf evergreen shrub, 3 to 5 feet tall and as wide glossy, leathery, dark green, lanceolate to elliptic leaves with undulated or wavy margins, undersides are lighter green clusters of tiny, fragrant, creamy-white flowers without petals that bloom during the winter shiny red drupes that transition to black and are present in the summer through the winter months Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: There are no serious insect or disease problems. VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I: Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II: Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 58 attributes.