About
Skimmia anquetilia, the Himalayan skimmia, is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub to 2 m producing aromatic, leathery, dark-green leaves in clusters at stem tips and rounded clusters of yellow-green flowers in spring, followed by bright-red berries on female plants. A rewarding and ornamental evergreen shrub for a shaded or semi-shaded garden.
About the genus
Skimmia are compact, evergreen shrubs with simple, aromatic leaves and terminal panicles of small, white or yellowish flowers, followed on fertilised female plants by shiny red berries; most have male and female flowers on separate plants. Excellent evergreen shrubs for shaded or semi-shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toHimalaya
FragranceFoliage
ToxicityFruit are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil, in light to full shade; prefers acidic to neutral soils but will tolerate alkaline soils where there is plenty of humus. Plants may become chlorotic on poor, dry soil or in too much sun. Plants in this species are usually either male or female, plant both together to get berries
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 8 (evergreens) if necessary
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, and to vine weevil when grown in containers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Phytophthora and honey fungus