Sarcococca

Question

This is a sarcococca about 18 months old. It’s planted in a pot placed against a West facing wall. Just before it flowered last winter, the leaves gradually turned brown and fell off. A few discoloured leaves remain and new leaves are appearing.is this normal? If not, what am I doing wrong?

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Answer 1

From the looks of it, there was a bad fungal infection. It is likely still there. Is there proper drainage in the pot? Make sure that there is if it gets rainwater, and if not, then make sure that it never sits in soggy soil.

I would also add dolomitic lime and wettable sulfur. This will help to kill of any remaining infection.

This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/sweetbox/growing-sweetbox-shrubs.htm

Answer 2

Sweet Box should be growing in well draining soil in shade to part shade.
Depending on the variety they are hardy in zones 6 and 7. When grown in container they will likely need some shelter or wrap, roots are more exposed in a container.
The leaves appear either sun damaged or winter damaged. You can prune away damaged leaves, especially now that it is putting out new growth.