Sarcococca ruscifolia is an elegant, evergreen shrub valued for its lush, glossy foliage and powerful winter fragrance. In midwinter, clusters of small, creamy-white flowers emerge among the leaves, filling the air with a sweet, honey-like scent when little else is flowering. These are followed by bright red to black berries that provide a striking contrast against the dark green leaves.

Key Features:

• Fragrance: Intensely sweet, winter-flowering scent

• Foliage: Lustrous dark green, evergreen leaves

• Flowers: Creamy-white, highly scented (December–March)

• Berries: Red turning black, long-lasting and decorative

• Growth: Compact, rounded habit; slow-growing and tidy

Ideal For:

• Shady borders, woodland planting, or courtyard gardens

• Containers or beneath deciduous trees and shrubs

• Near entrances or paths for maximum enjoyment of winter scent

Growing Conditions:

• Position: Partial to full shade

• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

• Hardiness: Fully hardy (H5)

• Height & Spread: Up to 1.2 m (4 ft) × 1.2 m (4 ft) in 10 years

Care Tips:
Easy to grow and low-maintenance. Trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense new growth. Apply an annual mulch of organic matter to retain moisture and enrich the soil.