The 'sleeper' shrub

"To be overcome by the fragrance of flowers
is a delectable form of defeat." 

-Beverley Nichols  (1898-1983)

 

Visualize a plant that grows in shade to part-shade; tolerates drought; evergreen; and here's the kicker, emits a vanilla fragrance in the middle of winter.   Are you interested? 

 

I have just described the sweetbox.  To be technical, it is the sarcococca ruscifolia.  I believe it is one of the most under-utilized shrubs.  It has glossy green leaves, and responds well to pruning.  

 

This 'sleeper' shrub is from China and is in the boxwood family.  It is at this juncture of winter in full aromatic bloom.

 

The only question is 'why don't you have one of these plants?'

 

 Cheers,

 Laura