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Skimmia | Plant Profile

Plants

Skimmia are versatile, low maintenance evergreen shrubs suitable for almost any garden. They are excellent for autumn and winter planting. Originally native to Japan, China and Southeast Asia the rounded shrubs have glossy, leathery leaves with fragrant flowers in early spring that can be cream or white. Female plants produce small round red or white berries in the autumn, while male varieties produce showy flower buds. Be aware that you will need both a male and a female variety for the necessary pollination that allows the female to produce its berries.

Skimmias are hard working structural shrubs that tolerate frost and drought conditions and are loved by bees and butterflies. A very important note of caution though, the berries are toxic if eaten.

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Skimmia Varieties

Skimmia japonica ‘White Globe’

Skimmia ‘White Globe’ is a compact male Skimmia variety with glossy, dark green leaves. It produces fragrant white flowers that open from greenish buds in spring. Plant in mixed borders for all year round interest as part of spring and woodland planting schemes or even in a container for all year round interest.

Soil	Most soils types. For chalk soils, it is recommended to add extra feed or a top dressing of well rotted manure.
Sun Requirements	Partial to full shade
Hardiness	Hardy in most parts of the UK, down to -15°C
Size	Grows to 1m x 1.2m
Flowering time	March to April. Flower buds or berries (depending on whether a male or female cultivar) appear in autumn and stay through winter.

Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’

This male form is hard to beat for all year round perfection. Produces panicles of red buds throughout autumn and winter then will bloom with fragrant white flowers in the spring.

Soil	Most soils types. For chalk soils, it is recommended to add extra feed or a top dressing of well rotted manure.
Sun Requirements	Partial to full shade
Hardiness	Hardy in most parts of the UK, down to -15°C
Size	Grows to 1.5m x 1.5m
Flowering time	March to April. Flower buds or berries (depending on whether a male or female cultivar) appear in autumn and stay through winter.

Skimmia japonica ‘Fragrant Cloud’

This male skimmia variety has aromatic, dark green, obovate leaves. In spring it produces dense clusters of small fragrant white flowers. This is a good plant for mixed borders for all year round interest, as part of spring and woodland gardens, placed in a container.

Soil	Most soils types. For chalk soils, it is recommended to add extra feed or a top dressing of well rotted manure.
Sun Requirements	Partial to full shade
Hardiness	Hardy in most parts of the UK, down to -15°C
Size	Grows to 1.m x 1.5m
Flowering time	March to April. Flower buds or berries (depending on whether a male or female cultivar) appear in autumn and stay through winter.

Skimmia japonica ‘reevesiana’

Skimmia ‘reevesiana’ is a self fertile variety with aromatic, green and glossy leaves. The clusters of white flowers open in spring, followed by bright red fruit. Plant in mixed borders for all year round interest, as part of spring and woodland planting schemes or in a container for all year round interest.

Soil	Most soils types. For chalk soils, it is recommended to add extra feed or a top dressing of well rotted manure.
Sun Requirements	Partial to full shade
Hardiness	Hardy in most parts of the UK, down to -15°C
Size	Grows to 1m x 1m
Flowering time	March to April. Flower buds or berries (depending on whether a male or female cultivar) appear in autumn and stay through winter.

Size: Grows to 1m x 1m

Skimmia japonica ‘Godries Dwarf’

This male evergreen variety is one of the most compact Skimmia varieties. It has mid to dark green glossy leaves and creates an attractive dome shaped mound of foliage. In spring it produces delightfully dense panicles of pink blossoms. This is a great plant for mixed borders, woodland planting schemes or growing in a container.

Soil	Most soils types. For chalk soils, it is recommended to add extra feed or a top dressing of well rotted manure.
Sun Requirements	Partial to full shade
Hardiness	Hardy in most parts of the UK, down to -15°C
Size	Grows to 75cm x 75cm
Flowering time	March to April. Flower buds or berries (depending on whether a male or female cultivar) appear in autumn and stay through winter.

Skimmia Growing Guide

Skimmias are, in general, low maintenance and disease free plants.

Planting

Water thoroughly in the pot before planting and water well in the first year to establish. Plant in a soil mixed with an organic improver, such as Hillier Multi Purpose Compost, and a suitable fertiliser.

Watering

The Skimmias prefers its soil to be consistently moist but well drained but avoid waterlogging which can be a result of over watering. Mulching will also help retain that moisture and will also prevent weeds.

Pruning

Skimmias rarely require pruning, but you can trim and shape before growth appears in spring and once berries have passed their best (on female cultivars) to keep them neat to encourage more flowers.

Complementary Planting Ideas

Create an exciting autumn/winter garden by planting together in borders with other plants of seasonal interest, e.g., Cornus alba or sericea and Ericas.

Skimmias are also excellent in pots and winter containers. Plant winter flowering hellebores for a festive combination by the front or back door around Christmas time and they will bring the season to life. Another great winter combination is with Leucothoe and Ajugas.

Hillier top tip: During the festive Christmas season, bring a few sprigs of skimmia indoors for use in decorations.