In the late winter season or very early spring, when most plants are looking sad or asleep, Sarcococca sports sweetly fragrant, very tiny flowers with dark red 1/4″ berries which ripen to black. Consider locating this small native shrub from China near entry passages, widow openings, or where the flower fragrance can be appreciated by those passing by. Commonly called fragrant sweetbox or fragrant Sarcococca, it is a dense, low-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub with a compact habit that typically grows to 3-4′ tall and as wide. It features sharp-pointed, somewhat leathery, glossy deep green, evergreen leaves that are 2 1/2″ long. Sarcocca stays very green in dense shade and it does well when located in the darkest corners. It prefers acidic, organically rich, moist, and well-drained soils. It’s also relatively water-wise once established. Sarcococca ruscifolia, confusa and hookeriana var. humilis are all great options to consider for a Bay Area landscape.