Sarcococca humilis 'Fragrant Valley' is a low growing evergreen shrub prized for its dense glossy foliage and intensely fragrant winter blooms. Its small white flowers emerge in late winter and are followed by glossy black berries providing subtle interest through the seasons. Exceptionally shade tolerant and deer resistant, it excels as a foundation planting or low border where its scent can be appreciated up close.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
Light Requirements: Full to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained, humus rich soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant due to leathery, aromatic foliage
Native Status
Native to China. Though not native to North America, Sarcococca humilis 'Fragrant Valley' is well adapted to shady landscapes and urban settings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Supplies early nectar and pollen for overwintered honeybees and native solitary bees like mason bees emerging in late winter.
Birds
- Glossy black berries attract fruit eating birds such as robins and catbirds in early spring.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides early cover and foraging sites for ground beetles and parasitic wasps in shaded garden habitats.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 24 - 36 in apart for dense ground coverage or low evergreen hedges.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for shady foundation beds, underplanting around larger shrubs, or as edging near paths and entrances where fragrance is appreciated.
Companion Plants
- Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern) - Adds coppery fronds in spring and evergreen interest through winter alongside Sarcococca.
- Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop) - Tiny white flowers bloom in sync with Sarcococca and complement its seasonal fragrance.
- Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' - White edged variegated sedge brightens shady settings and echoes Sarcococca's tidy structure.
- Helleborus 'Snow Love' - Creamy white blooms pair with Sarcococca’s dark foliage for a subtle winter palette.
- Heuchera 'Obsidian' - Deep purple foliage contrasts with the glossy green leaves and helps ground the planting composition.