March Plant of the Month: Skimmia
These slow growing neat evergreen shrubs earn their keep in the garden with spring flowers followed by long lasting white or red berries (on female plants).
Skimmia are versatile, low maintenance evergreen shrubs suitable for almost any garden. Bearing fragrant flowers in spring, some varieties also have decorative long-lasting berries in autumn and winter. These slow growing shrubs form neat mounds so are great for adding structure to a border.
Appearance
- Skimmia have oval leathery, dark green or reddish leaves, that grow in a neat round form.
- Large clusters of white or greenish flowers appear March-April.
- Male varieties don’t produce berries, and female varieties will only if grown near a male. Hermaphrodite (self-fertile) varieties will produce fruits alone.
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’
Where to Plant Them
- Skimmias do best in partial shade although will tolerate full shade. Avoid growing them in full sun as this can make the leaves pale.
- They do well in both borders and containers. Larger varieties look great in the middle of the border amongst herbaceous plants.
- They also pair well with other winter / spring shrubs such as Cornus alba or winter flowering Heather. Skimmias also look great as part of a winter pot display, paired with Hellebores or spring bulbs.
Skimmia x confusa ‘Kew green’
Pests and Diseases
- Skimmias are generally low maintenance and disease free.
- Yellowing or pale leaves, coupled with spindly growth can indicate dry conditions or poor soil. This can be corrected by adding an annual mulch or moving the shrubs to a shadier position.
Plant Care
- After planting, keep well-watered during summer until the shrub is established.
- A good annual mulch of leaf mould, garden compost or bark chippings helps retain moisture and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
- If growing in a pot, do not let the pot dry out, even during the winter months. Regular pruning isn’t necessary, but if the odd shoot spoils the shape, pruning should take place in spring.
Varieties to Consider
- Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’: A popular variety and readily available in garden centres, this male form is great year-round. Panicles of red buds in winter open to fragrant white flowers in spring.
- Skimmia x confusa ‘Kew green’: A male form prized for its large green buds in winter that open to fragrant cream- white flowers in spring.
- Skimmia japonica ‘Nymans’: A popular, reliable female form that produces large, bright red berries when planted with a male form. Pairs great with winters flowers such as hellebores for a seasonal display.
- Skimmia japonica ‘Fragrant cloud’: A male form that produces dense clusters of highly fragrant flowers. This is a great variety for a mixed border close to a path.
- Skimmia japonica ‘Reevesiana’: Self fertile variety that produces white flowers and red berries.
From planning a new border to a complete garden remodel, we pride ourselves on transforming ideas into beautiful reality, with minimum disruption. If you’re based in or around the Reading and Newbury area, we’d love to meet and discuss your project in detail – book your free no-obligation garden consultation today.
Image Credits
Skimmia japonica; Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’; Skimmia x confusa ‘Kew Green’; Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’; Frosted Skimmia.