The fragrant evergreen shrub Sarcococca has been named HTA Plant of the Month for December. Commonly known as ‘Sweet Box’ or ‘Christmas box’, it has delicate white flowers over winter and early spring.

Perfect planted by the edge of a path or close to the front door, where its stunning vanilla scent and glossy green foliage can be fully appreciated, it can be planted alongside other winter gems such as hellebores and cyclamen.

Sarcococca makes a great addition to a winter garden as it’s a tough, reliable plant that is very easy to grow.  It’s suitable for borders, containers or as ground cover and will do well in shade. It grows slowly and gradually to form low-growing mounds of evergreen foliage, with red and black berries once flowering has finished.  

Sarcococca confusa is a species of flowering plant in the Buxaceae family and is ideal for neat, clipped edging borders and works well in containers. It is fully hardy, compact and will eventually form a dense thicket.

Former Chanel model and founder of The Edible Bus Stop Mak Gilchrist is a real fan. She says “Sarcococca has incredibly intense scent and thrives at a time of year where there is little scent in the garden. I particularly like that about it. It's a sensuous indulgence in the deep mid winter.”

Recommended RHS AGM varieties to plant include:

Sarcococca confusa

Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Digyna Purple Stem’

Sarcococca Hookeriana hookeriana ‘Ghorepani’

Sarcococca ruscifolia chinensis ‘Dragon Gate’