Unusually for a skimmia, Skimmia japonica subsp. reevesiana is hermaphrodite, and will bear berries without another skimmia nearby; it will also tolerate slightly alkaline soil. It’s a small, slow-growing, evergreen shrub with a dense, mounded habit. The aromatic leaves are narrow, deep green and leathery, making the plant drought-resistant once established. In mid- to late spring, panicles of scented, creamy-white flowers open from red buds; these are a valuable nectar source for pollinators. In autumn, the flowers are followed by bright red berries, which often persist until the following spring – the birds leave them alone! Hermaphrodite Japanese skimmia is a really easy, low-maintenance shrub for almost year-round colour in a shady spot in even the smallest garden.
Site: Tolerates exposure Soil: Well drained, fairly light, humus-rich soil Position: Partial shade or deep shade Season of interest: All year Hardiness: Fairly hardy Height: 39” (1m) Spread: 39” (1m) in 10 years
