Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box) Sarcococca hookeriana
Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box) (Sarcococca hookeriana) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Buxaceae family, native to Himalaya (Afghanistan to Bhutan) and western China. It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
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Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about January for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Himalaya (Afghanistan to Bhutan) and western China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: berries
Little data: the plant belongs to the box family, whose members contain alkaloids, so do not eat the berries.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box)
- How far apart should I plant Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box)?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box) flower?
- From about January for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Little data: the plant belongs to the box family, whose members contain alkaloids, so do not eat the berries.
- What grows well with Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Himalayan sweet box (Christmas box). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of Nepal (online flora and checklist), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with Nepalese and international partners
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A low, suckering evergreen for deep shade under trees. In midwinter the tiny, almost hidden white flowers fill the air with a honey scent, so plant it beside a door or path; black berries follow. The form var. digyna is the one most grown.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Japanese spurge (pachysandra) Pachysandra terminalis
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides