Japanese Skimmia

Did you know

• Skimmia is dioecious — you need both a male and female plant to get the ornamental red berries that last all winter.
• Male flowers are intensely fragrant with a sweet, lily-of-the-valley scent that carries across the garden.
• The red berries are mildly toxic, so birds tend to leave them alone, which is why they persist through winter.
• It is one of the few flowering shrubs that thrives in deep shade under evergreen trees.
• In the language of flowers, skimmia's evergreen nature and persistent berries represent constancy and unwavering affection.

Color meanings

Uses

• shade gardens
• winter interest plantings
• container gardens
• Christmas decorations