Low spreading evergreen sweet box reaching only 50–60 cm tall, with the same intensely fragrant winter flowers as taller forms. Spreads slowly by suckers to form a low evergreen mat.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 6–9 | −23.3 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H5 | −15 °C to −10 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 6–8 | −18 °C to −1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–5 | −10 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Flowers January–February — the same midwinter window as S. confusa but at ground level
- Sucker-forming habit makes it excellent ground cover in difficult shade under trees and shrubs
- Fragrance reaches across the garden on still winter days
- Slow to establish — patience needed for full cover
Pet caution: Dwarf sweet box is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
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Related plants
Cross-check Dwarf sweet box against your zones