About
This upright, bushy evergreen shrub with leathery, dark green foliage and clusters of small, slightly perfumed, star-shaped pinkish white flowers in spring.
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
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
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, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in light or deep shade. Can become chlorotic on poor, dry soils or if exposed to too much sun
PruningPruning group 8, if necessary
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and fruit tree red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Phytophthora and honey fungus