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Sarcococca hookeriana var. hookeriana 'Ghorepani'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

sweet box 'Ghorepani'

A compact, upright, suckering evergreen shrub with narrow glossy sword-shaped leaves. In winter it produces highly scented small white flowers, which are followed by shiny, black-skinned fruit.

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Clay
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Black
Autumn Green Black
Winter White Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Buxaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Suckering, Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Sarcococca are compact, sometimes suckering evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and tiny, fragrant creamy-white flowers in winter or spring, followed by red, purple or black berries which may persist into the following winter

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained humus-rich soil in shade. Full sun may be tolerated when planted in moisture-retentive soil. Also tolerant of atmospheric pollution, dry shade and neglect. Can be grown as an informal hedge.

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn or spring. Suckers can be lifted and replanted.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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