Sarcococca confusa

Overview and Features

Sarcococca confusa is a compact, evergreen shrub highly valued for its winter fragrance, glossy green foliage, and ability to thrive in shaded and difficult spots. One of the best low-maintenance shrubs for year-round structure, it becomes especially noticeable in winter when it produces creamy white flowers with an intensely sweet scent, often compared to vanilla or hyacinth.

Originating from China, this variety forms a dense, dome-shaped mound with dark green leaves and small black berries following the flowers. It's perfect for urban gardens, shaded borders, woodland planting, or containers by entrances and paths where the winter scent can be appreciated.

• Height and spread: 1–1.5 m tall × 1–1.5 m wide

• Foliage: Glossy, leathery, dark green, evergreen

• Flowers: Small, white, extremely fragrant (January–March)

• Fruit: Glossy black berries following pollination

• Growth habit: Dense, slowly spreading mound

Planting and Growing Conditions

Sarcococca confusa is particularly well-suited to shade and north-facing aspects, making it ideal where other shrubs may struggle.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers partial to full shade

  • Tolerates deep shade, including under trees and in north-facing borders

  • Can handle some morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist, fertile, humus-rich soil

  • Tolerates a range of pH levels (acidic to neutral)

  • Good drainage is essential, but soil should not dry out completely

• Planting Tips:

  • Plant in autumn or spring for best establishment

  • Incorporate organic matter such as compost into planting hole

  • Space around 60–100 cm apart for groundcover effect

Maintenance and Seasonal Care

Sarcococca confusa is extremely low maintenance once established, making it perfect for low-care gardens, shaded courtyards, or large containers.

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season

  • Established plants are fairly drought-tolerant, especially in shade

  • Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and enrich soil

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring

  • Additional feeding unnecessary in fertile soils

• Pruning:

  • Requires little pruning—simply trim to shape after flowering if desired

  • Remove any dead or damaged branches in late spring

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Occasionally affected by honey fungus in poorly drained conditions

  • Watch for leaf scorch if grown in full sun or dry soils

Design Uses and Planting Combinations

Sarcococca confusa is a superb multi-purpose plant offering evergreen foliage, winter fragrance, and shade tolerance—a rare combination in ornamental horticulture.

• Best Uses:

  • Underplanting for trees and large shrubs

  • Foundation or path-side planting to enjoy winter scent

  • Excellent for shady urban gardens

  • Compact enough for containers near entrances or on patios

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with ferns, hellebores, heucheras, and spring bulbs

  • Use alongside other winter-interest plants such as Mahonia, Daphne, or Hamamelis

• Wildlife Value:

  • Flowers provide winter nectar for early pollinators

  • Berries are attractive to birds

Additional Notes

• Hardiness:

  • Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland (RHS H5, to approx. –15°C)

  • Performs best in sheltered spots, protected from drying winds

• Growth Rate:

  • Slow to moderate; forms a neat shape without heavy intervention

  • Can be left undisturbed for years

• Size
  2 Ltr pot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.