About
An evergreen tree, up to around 8m high, with elliptic, papery dark green leaves. Clusters of small yellowish flowers are produced in spring, if pollinated these are followed on female plants by blue-black berries in late summer and early autumn.
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
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
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
CultivationThrives in moderately fertile, moist but well drained, neutral to acidic soil in light or partial shade. Not reliably hardy and may need winter protection
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 8 (evergreens) if necessary
PropagationPropagate 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