PlantFiles: Christmas Box, Sweet Box, Himalayan Sarcococca
Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis

I was surprised to see this listed as zone 7; it is certainly at least zone 6. This plant is a paradox in that it is easily overlooked, and yet stunning if one takes the time to notice it. I use it to fill corners and crannies which are in plain sight but in full shade.

I have not noticed a remarkable fragrance from this shrub, and seem to have consistent problems with something eating it (slugs?) and/or turning yellow. It is on the north side of our house, and has done a nice job of spreading out without being a thug. Looks very nice all year (except when the bugs/disease hit it).

I would not want to be without this plant in winter at all. We grow it on a slope, upon which it makes a low, thick, elegant carpet of glossy evergreen leaves all winter, with the most wonderful, pervasive perfume in March. Above it, a creeping juniper cascades down the hill, making a great contrast to the shiny broad leaves of sarcococca with its gray-green needles.

It's one of those plants for which we have seen no pests or disease and which tolerates dry shade. Opposite these plants, deeper into the hill are tree peonies and a couple of Japanese palmate maples (volunteer seedlings). These all associate with each other very well.