Sarcococca 'Sweet and Low'

Sizes available:

Basics: zones 5-9 (some sources say zone 6, we shall see), 18-30" x 24-36", part to full shade, fragrant, two-toned, pink and white flowers among shiny green leaves in the spring, likes consistent moisture and acidic soils

Common names: This is a patented cultivar (Purplerij1) of Himalayan Sweet Box

Family: Buxaceae

Origin/Distribution: This is a Proven Winners cultivar. The species is native to China, Afghanistan, northeast India, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Habitat: found in the moist forest understory in dappled sun to dappled shade

More: Okay, I do listen to too many British gardening podcasts where they yammer on about Sarcococcas all day. However, this shrub is part of my cut flower ramp up/multiflora rose displacement program. I want more shrubby beauty for flower arrangements. I have lots of dappled edge habitat. I need to plant in places where the multifloras are getting removed, so it seems a no-brainer to add a backbone of shrubs in varying heights, both native and not, to bring beauty and also solve problems. A worthwhile experiment, I think. This shrub is deer resistant, blooms on old wood, will be an early-season nectar source, has a potential to sucker lightly, and is right on the edge of its hardiness zone. I think it may be an excellent addition to a shady, sheltered rock garden, and it is diminutive enough to put into a woodland border without overwhelming the other residents. I will let you know how it goes...

Nursery: Spring Meadow

Image credit: Proven Winners via Spring Meadow Nursery