1 / 4

Key characteristics

Family: Buxaceae
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Width: 2 to 4 feet
Flower color: Small, fragrant flowers are white or creamy
Foliage color: Dark green, glossy leaves
Bloom time: Winter
Light: Partial to full shade
Water: Regular
Maintenance: Low
Growing zone: USDA Hardiness zones 5 to 9
Wildlife: Small black berries attract birds

Shrubs

Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis

Himalayan Sweet Box

Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis produces tiny, intensely fragrant creamy white flowers with prominent pink to crimson anthers in winter, often perfuming the garden despite being partly concealed beneath the foliage. Narrow, glossy dark green leaves are leathery and evergreen, densely clothing slender stems throughout the year. Glossy black berries follow the flowers, adding subtle ornamental interest among the foliage. Underground shoots gradually create a spreading, finely textured groundcover that remains attractive through every season.

Light

Partial to full shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Winter

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Fragrant Gardens
Borders

Companion plants

Mahonia · Rodgersia · Primrose · Japanese aralia · Bergenia · Maidenhair fern

Design tip

Allow Himalayan sweet box to spread beneath taller shrubs, where its low evergreen growth can knit together otherwise bare areas of soil. Its glossy foliage creates a finished look year-round while the taller canopy provides the shaded conditions it prefers.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)