This shrub is known for its hauntingly sweet fragrance in early winter. For whatever reason, I cannot discern any fragrance whatsoever, and find it prone to bug infestation.

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This broadleaf evergreen groundcover comes from western China. It is occasionally used in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania region (Zone 6b) and some are sold by a good number of conventional nurseries. I mostly see it in professional landscapes and not in the average yard. A few plant enthusiasts grow it also. It spreads slowly by stolons, above ground prostrate stems. It basically makes a pretty plant mass that does well in the region. I have often not really noticed the little white fragrant flowers that bloom in late winter and are small and not conspicuous, many sort of hidden by leaves. I also have not really noticed the black berries that hide under or near the foliage. I don't think it usually does bear fruit in cultivation in the US.

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Native to the western Himalayas, Sarcococca is an evergreen shrub that spreads slowly. It likes rich organic soil and shade. The shrub has shiny, pointed, 3" long leaves that are medium to dark green and look good all year long. A ground cover of Sarcococca looks neat and uniform. In late winter and early spring, many small white flowers produce a sweet fragrance. Flowers are followed by attractive purple-black berries.

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