Fragrant Sweet Box
Sarcococca ruscifolia
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Sarcococca ruscifolia, the fragrant sweet box, is an evergreen shrub of the boxwood family, native to China and East Asia, grown for a winter perfume that belies the tiny flowers that carry it. In late winter and early spring the small, creamy white flowers open along the glossy stems, easy to overlook by eye but powerfully sweet on the air, and unlike the black-fruited sweet boxes, this species follows the flowers with glowing red berries.
The plant makes a compact, dense mound three to five feet tall, clothed in glossy, dark green, pointed leaves that hold their polish the year round. The epithet ruscifolia means with leaves like Ruscus, the butcher's broom, a nod to the firm, tapering foliage, and the red berries set the species apart from its black-berried relatives.
Thriving in full to partial shade, this low-maintenance, pest- and disease-resistant shrub asks only for humus-rich, well-drained soil and little pruning, and is happy in the difficult shade beneath trees, along a north wall, or in a shaded courtyard. Compact and deer-resistant, the fragrant sweet box works as a low hedge, a foundation planting, a shaded border, or even a large-scale groundcover.
Site Sarcococca ruscifolia where the winter scent and the red berries can both be enjoyed at close range, by a door, along a shaded path, or under a window, and pair with ferns, hellebores, and other shade companions, underplanted with early bulbs. Year-round foliage, midwinter fragrance, and red winter fruit make the plant a quiet asset in any shaded garden. Photo courtesy of Exploring Colour.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 7–9
- Sun
- Part Shade, Full Shade
- Soil
- Moist, Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 3–5 Feet · Spread 3–4 Feet
- Growth rate
- Slow to Moderate
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
Tiny creamy white flowers along the stems in late winter and early spring, powerfully sweet-scented, followed by glowing red berries.
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.