Contents
Description
Sarcococca Hookeriana is a flowering evergreen plant that belongs to the Buxaceae family. It is native to the Himalayas, particularly in the regions of Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, and Nepal. This plant is popularly known as Himalayan sweet box, and it is a slow-growing shrub that can reach up to 2 meters in height. The plant’s leaves are glossy, dark green and oval-shaped, while its flowers are small, white, and fragrant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Buxales |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Genus | Sarcococca |
Appearance
Sarcococca Hookeriana has a neat, dense and compact appearance that makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create borders or hedges. The plants’ leaves are typically 5-10 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, and they are arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers of the plant are small, measuring about 1 cm in diameter, and they bloom in late winter or early spring. The flowers are followed by black or red berries that are approximately 1 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Sarcococca Hookeriana is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips for this plant:
Water: Sarcococca Hookeriana prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote growth and flowering.
Soil: Sarcococca Hookeriana prefers acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is alkaline, you can amend it with peat moss or compost.
Sunlight: Sarcococca Hookeriana thrives in partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some sun, but too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Hardiness Zones: Sarcococca Hookeriana can grow in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sarcococca Hookeriana is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can occasionally be affected by spider mites, scale insects, and leaf spot. To prevent pest and disease problems, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and that it is not overwatered. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Sarcococca Hookeriana is native to the Himalayas, where it grows in the understory of forests and shrublands. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant prefers partial shade to full shade and can tolerate cold temperatures and frost.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sarcococca Hookeriana a fragrant plant?
A: Yes, Sarcococca Hookeriana is known for its fragrant white flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring.
Q: Can Sarcococca Hookeriana grow in full sun?
A: While Sarcococca Hookeriana can tolerate some sun, it thrives in partial shade to full shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Q: Is Sarcococca Hookeriana a fast-growing plant?
A: No, Sarcococca Hookeriana is a slow-growing shrub that can take several years to reach its full height.
Q: How often should I fertilize Sarcococca Hookeriana?
A: Fertilize Sarcococca Hookeriana once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote growth and flowering.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Sarcococca Hookeriana:
- Sarcococca Confusa
- Sarcococca Ruscifolia
- Sarcococca Saligna
- Sarcococca Orientalis
References
- “Sarcococca hookeriana.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2021.
- “Sarcococca hookeriana.” RHS Gardening. Royal Horticultural Society, n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2021.
- “Sarcococca.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 6 Apr. 2021. Web. 12 Apr. 2021.
