How to Grow and Care for Skimmia

Japanese skimmia (Skimmia japonica) is an evergreen shrub native to East and Southeast Asia. This plant is composed of aromatic cream-colored flowers, crimson berries, and velvety deep green foliage. These decorative features are aesthetically pleasing when the plant is placed in shady environments. This low maintenance sweet-scented plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil in moderate to full shade.

The red fruit of Skimmia reevesiana is most likely poisonous and may cause cardiac arrest if eaten in large amounts. Its leaves have an exceedingly sweet aroma. Beautiful white flowers appear on the plant in spring, and are later replaced by brilliant crimson berries that last throughout the winter.

Japanese skimmia 'Temptation' got its name because it produces abundant and tempting clusters of bright red berries in much greater numbers than the parent plant. This evergreen shrub is also popular for its aromatic white flowers, which bloom in spring. You'll often see this plant used as a border plant in ornamental gardens.

Japanese skimmia 'Perosa' is a compact evergreen shrub, featuring lush, leathery leaves that create a dense foliage backdrop. Its cluster of fragrant white flowers emerges in spring, occasionally followed by red berries if both male and female plants are present. Thriving in partially shaded areas, japanese skimmia 'Perosa' is admired for its hardy nature and year-round visual interest.

Japanese skimmia 'Fragrans', also known as 'Fragrant cloud' due to its white inflorescence and distinct fragrance, grows as a small evergreen bush, forming a a low dome. The leaves are dark-green, obovate, and up to 10 cm long. During the winter, the plant sports vivid, lime-green, tightly packed buds. Both the leaves and the flower clusters are fragrant.