Sarcococca confusa

Description: A large for of the Sarcococca but still only reaching 1.5 metres.  Easy to grow evergreen shrubs noted for the superbly scented small petaless flowers produced in winter which bring a wonderful smell to the garden.  Good when also used as a backcloth for other plants for the rest of the year so a really useful plant to have.  Black berries in autumn.

Uses: Shady borders, the back of a mixed border, woodland planting or group planting.

Climate/Position: Shade or partial shade

Height/Spread: 1.5 metres x 1.2 metres

Soil Requirements: Well drained soil. slightly acidic soils for best darkest green foliage.

Pruning: None required.

Special Requirements: 

Additional Interest: The genus originates in east Asia, predominantly China and throughout the Himalayas. Sarcococca are all monoecious meaning that male and female flowers are carried separately, but on the same plant. The name is derived from the Greek words sarkos meaning flesh, andkokkos meaning a berry, a reference to the fleshy fruits of the plant. 

Scientific research has shown Sarcococca saligna to have potential use in medicine against microbial resistance in chemotherapy and fungal infection and steroidal alkaloids were isolated in 2000 by American Chemical Society and American Society of Pharmacognosy.