Himalayan Sweet Box

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1-2 Feet

Mature Spread

2-4 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 8

The Himalayan Sweet Box is aptly named as its white flowers that appear in spring are wonderfully scented. It produces lush, dark green foliage up to 1 to 2 feet high and is shade loving. However, it is the flowers of the Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis that are the star of the show. It is best planted near a porch or frequently used path so you can enjoy its fragrance. 

As a clump-forming evergreen, the Himalayan Sweet Box holds its color and foliage well over winter. Perfect for both urban and rural gardens, it is deer resistant and tough. The Himalayan Sweet Box is ideal for forming a low-growing hedge or providing shaded ground cover. It is also suitable for growing in a container. 

Himalayan Sweet Box Care

The Himalayan Sweet Box is happiest in either full or partial shade. It thrives when planted in fertile and moist soil that is well drained. To support its lush foliage and scented blooms, you can apply a general fertilizer in early spring. Water generously on planting and for the first season; once established, Sweet Box is not a thirsty plant and requires minimal supplemental water.  

To keep the Himalayan Sweet Box tidy and neat, you can trim it back once the flowers have faded. When grown in a container, you will need to water more regularly than when grown directly in the ground.

Himalayan Sweet Box Spacing

Over time, the Himalayan Sweet Box can grow to 1 to 2 feet tall and spread up to 2 to 4 feet wide. When grown en masse as a dense groundcover, plant this Sarcococca at a spacing of 3 to 4 feet.