Sarcococca ruscifolia var. chinensis 'Dragon's Gate'

Dragon's Gate Sarcococca. This selection was made by noted plantsman Roy Lancaster and was introduced from Yunnan, China. It is much more compact in form than the parent species Sarcococca ruscifolia, and the leaves are more narrow and pointed. Plants in this genus are in the Boxwood family, Buxaceae. This is a great winter bloomer, with fragrant white flowers from late fall into early winter. The flowers are followed by red berries, characteristic of this species. This is one of the best dry shade shrubs that one can grow as it can develop into a tallish groundcover. All in this genus prefer shade with good drainage. Don't allow it to get excessively dry. Another plus is that it is deer resistant. 

Zones 7-9