Sarcococca ruscifolia David Geiger and formal topiary since Renaissance

and formal topiary since Renaissance gardeners first set a matched pair in pots beside a doorway

zone 9 and the warmer parts of zone 8

layered crown

Photo courtesy of Yasuko and Suzanne

The Sago Palm is not a palm at all

Sarcococca ruscifolia David Geiger and formal topiary since RenaissanceSarcococca ruscifolia, the fragrant sweet box, is an evergreen shrub of the boxwood family, native to China and East Asia, grown for a winter perfume that belies the tiny flowers that carry it. In late winter and early spring the small, creamy white flowers open along the glossy stems, easy to overlook by eye but powerfully sweet on the air, and unlike the black fruited sweet boxes, this species follows the flowers with glowing red berries. The plant