Plant Min Zone: 6a
Plant Max Zone: 8a
Sunlight: Part Sun, Shade, Deep Shade
Water / Rainfall: Average, High
Soil Quality: Average, Rich
Bloom Season: Spring
Flower Color: White
Berry / Fruit Color: Bluish Black, Purple
Spring Foliage Color: Green, Dark Green
Summer Foliage Color: Green, Dark Green
Fall Foliage Color: Green, Dark Green
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: Yes
Drought Tolerance: Low, Medium
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Medium
Wind Tolerance: Low, Medium
Poor Soil Tolerance: No Extreme Soils
Height: 1' - 1.5'
Width: 1' - 2'
Growth Rate: Slow, Extremely Slow
Service Life: Long: 5-10 years
Maintenance Need: Low
Spreading Potential: Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Evergreen Perennial Only if Winter-Kill Occurs.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3
Best Side of House: East Exposure, North Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Resistant to Rabbits
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: Weed Competition
Plant Limitations: May get Occasional Winter-kill, Needs Regular Irrigation, Needs Thick Winter Mulch
Himalayan Sweet Box (Sarcococca hookeriana) is planted for its evergreen dark green foliage and white flowers. Foliage maintains well all year provided that certain cultural conditions are met. Native to shaded mountain areas in forests, valleys or along streams in the Himalayas, it needs moist soil rich in organic matter avoiding too much clay. It is somewhat drought tolerant once established. If low temperatures hit -5 to -10 degrees F, foliage finally dies back to the ground and re-emerges in early spring. Generally this plant can decline after a few years of Kansas climate but is worth a try in perfect soils in well-tended shade gardens. If low temperatures hit -10 degrees F, it may kill an un-mulched plant; protect any zone 6 plant with thick layer of mulch. Lack of moisture and competition with weeds seem to be an issue but it survives just fine. Growth is extremely slow. This is one of the most deep shade tolerant plants available.