Sarcococca ruscifolia

 

  Fragrant Sarcococca

  Family: Buxaceae

  Origin: Native to China

Hardiness: Hardy in zones 7, 8, 9 and 10
Growth: Slow growth to 4' to 6' with an equal spread
Form: Mound, but easily shaped; makes a nice espalier
Leaves: Elliptical, 2 inch, glossy, dark green, densly set
Flowers: Clusters of very fragrant tiny white flowers in spring
Fruit or Seeds: Red to black 1/4 inch berries in summer
Exposure: Light to deep shade; sun ok at coast
Water: Likes to be moist; water weekly in summer
Soil: Organic loam; acidic; well drained
Fertilizer: NPK acid food and Fe in spring and fall
Prune: Cut back new stems to encourage bushiness
Problems: No serious problems; scale insects possible

Excellent plant for shady areas. Useful as a basic landscape shrub and as an espalier. Valued for its deep green color and for its fragrance. It can be sheared as a low hedge. This is a slow grower that needs pruning just once a year to keep it small.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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