About

A compact, tufted Saussurea from very high-altitude Himalayan habitats with narrow, three-fingered (tridactyla) leaves in tight rosettes and small, purple, button-like flowerheads on short stems in late summer. A demanding, high-altitude specialist for a cool, very well-drained alpine house.

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

Plant details

Suggested usesBorders, hedging, specimen planting.

Care notes

CultivationPlant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
PruningPrune after flowering or late winter.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.