The Evergreen Shrub That'll Attract Hummingbirds Throughout Winter

Not all hummingbirds leave the U.S. in winter. Some, like Anna's hummingbird, stay on the west coast year-round. Others, like the Rufous hummingbird and Black-chinned hummingbird, are starting to overwinter in the southeast as well as the southwest. If you live anywhere with a relatively mild winter, you might find these types of beautiful hummingbirds in your backyard. If you are visited by these hardy little birds, it's a good idea to have some flowers waiting for them. Thankfully, fragrant sarcococca (Sarcococca confusa) is a lovely evergreen shrub that will attract hummingbirds and blooms in winter. 

Also known as sweet box, this easy-to-grow shrub is probably native to western China but grows pretty well anywhere. It's a non-invasive variety of sweet box that grows between 3 and 5 feet tall with bushy branches and shiny black fruit. The fruit, a type of drupe, appears in summer, changes from red to black, and persists throughout the winter months. Not to be confused with other varieties, Sarcococca confusa does not grow as ground cover like Sarcococca hookeriana (called Himalayan sweet box). Known for its sweet-smelling fragrance likened to vanilla, this shrub adds a bright spot to a winter garden.

If you want to start growing more plants to attract hummingbirds, it's a good idea to understand the hummingbird diet to better care for them in your yard. That means choosing plants like sweet box that bloom from late January to February for species that decide to stay in the area during wintertime. The great thing about this evergreen is its ability to grow comfortably in different conditions, including shade and partial shade. It is hardy throughout zones 6 through 9, which means it can be grown in southern areas (like Louisiana), where many different hummingbird species are being seen during winter. It can also tolerate various soil types and pH levels and still grow well.

Along with attracting hummingbirds to your garden, fragrant sarcococca will not be consumed by other creatures like rabbits and deer. Growing it as a hedge plant is ideal thanks to its slower growth rate and pleasant appearance, characterized by simple white flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. So, after you find the hummingbird feeder that is best for you and your feathered friends, consider the benefits of planting the sweet box shrub, too.