If you’ve little time or inclination to spend hours tending to your plants, this gorgeous smelling one could be the answer to your prayersThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sarcococca, also known as Sweet Box, is a great choice for patios (Image: Getty)
Nothing screams summer more than patio plants bringing life to your outdoor area. Sitting amongst them in the sunshine is an easy way to bring joy but caring for them is another task to add to the list too.
And if your patio area lacks sunshine or has shady corners that could do with brightening up, some plants aren’t going to survive in those conditions despite your best efforts. For beginner gardeners it can all be quite overwhelming.
But one plant will happily thrive in almost every condition, according to experts, making it the perfect choice for patios across the country. Sarcococca or sweet box has been described by Ideal Home as ‘practically unkillable’ and a plant which loves the shade but can also handle sunny situations too.
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And they said it means it’s a great choice for patio pots for the novice gardener with the added bonus that it can stay out all year as it will produce white flowers come winter.
Rachel Cole, seed manager at Mr Fothergill’s, said you won’t have to worry about regular watering or pruning which means it’s perfect for people who are short of time too.
She added: “Got a sunnier patio? No problem, this plant can still thrive, just be sure to water it occasionally in warmer weather.”
The RHS said that sweet box can be planted all year round but advises to make sure to keep its soil moist for the shrub’s first few seasons.
Idea Home’s Gardens Editor Sophie King said: “Once sweet box is established, it’s really easy to care for. You can even pop it in a shady spot and it’ll thrive, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking to fill a shadowy corner of the patio.”
Sarcococca has the added benefit of smelling lovely in the winter time when fragrance from plants is less common.
Sweet box will give off an amazing perfume in January and February after it’s spring, summer, and autumn of providing greenery for your patio. So it’s an investment that keeps giving.
It is widely held that the best smelling Sarcococca is the ‘Winter Gem’ variety which produces little flowers, resembling little fireworks.
It emits a sweet vanilla fragrance, especially on sunny days. They’re often places by doors where the fragrance will hit you daily.
Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’ is said to have a fragrance that will ‘stop you in your tracks'(Image: Thompson & Morgan )
YourGarden.com has Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’, £19.99, which comes supplied as an established plant in a 15cm pot, meaning there’s nothing to do apart from find a spot for it.
Thompson & Morgan also offer a 3 Litre potted Winter Gem for £29.99 or two for £49.99. They are despatched within 24 hours.
Or, a cheaper option, is to buy Sarcococca confusa, with its glossy green leaves and sweetly scented creamy white flowers, for £10.49 at B&Q.
It’s only available online and can be purchased here.