Sarcococca confusa

Sarcococca confusa is a decorative evergreen shrub with a bushy and compact habit. From December to March, it produces numerous clusters of 5 small petal-less flowers with long white stamens and yellow anthers. The flowers only measure 3 to 5 mm (1in) long, but are highly fragrant and are positioned along the branches.

In summer, fleshy berries less than one cm long appear. These fruits turn shiny black at the end of the season and can coexist with the flowers. Sarcococca has evergreen dark green, shiny, small leaves that measure 3 to 6 cm (1 to 2in) long, smaller than those of the hookeriana variety. This bush is very hardy. It grows slowly and can reach a height of 2 m (7ft) at maturity (slightly taller than Sarcoccoca hookeriana).

It can be grown in flowerbeds, undergrowth, low hedges or ground covers or even pots. The Sarcococca confusa has stiff and dark foliage, so it is best to associate it with more flexible and colourful plants. It can also be associated with hellebores and small spring bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses or snowdrops. Sarcococca confusa is native to western China.