Are you always homesick for a colourful garden after summer? Then you haven’t heard of the Skimmia. Because when other plants go into hibernation, the Skimmia is at its best. This hardy shrub treats with deep red and lime green flower buds just when we need them most. In this article, you will discover the most popular and special varieties, and meet our growers.
A splash of colour in autumn
Originally, Skimmia grows in the mountainous regions of Japan, where the plant is named ‘Miyama shikimi’. Freely translated ‘mountain skimmia’. But the Skimmia has long since ceased to be restricted to mountain peaks. Thanks to its compact growth and long-lasting ornamental value, it is a versatile and popular plant in Belgium and the Netherlands. Thus, the Skimmia thrives in a pot on the balcony or terrace, but also excels in its role as a border plant or loose hedge. And how about a few sprigs of Skimmia in an autumn composition or as an evergreen tomb arrangement?
All year round, the plant bears its dark green, glossy leaves. And much of the time there is more. From late August, the first, colourful flower buds appear on the scene. These burgundy, lime-green or white buds then blossom into fragrant flowers or berries in April. So months of colourful enjoyment from the Skimmia. A rarity among garden plants.
It is also a special plant in terms of scent. Ever had a good sniff of a Skimmia? Then you may already know that it is distantly related to the orange. If you bruise the leaf between your fingers or sniff the flower fragrance, you will notice it immediately: a typical citrus scent.
Wide range of varieties
The Skimmia has both male and female shrubs. Main difference? The female Skimmia gets berries when a male plant is nearby for pollination. One male Skimmia is enough to pollinate several female shrubs. Even if it is a different species. Tip: Combine male and female Skimmias to enjoy both striking flowers and brightly coloured berries. For example, male Rubella and female Temptation make a nice duo.
Time for a look at the different varieties of Skimmias. Starting with our classic bestsellers.
• Rubella: the classic with deep red buds
• Rubesta: the improved Rubella, more compact and richly branched
• Temptation: female skimmia with striking red berries
• Kew White: female skimmia with white flowers and berries
And we also put the spotlight on some innovative varieties and special combinations.
• Ballerina: lime-green buds for fresh compositions
• Celebrations: intense colour, stays in bloom extra long
• Perosa & Magic Marlot: variegated leaves with white edge
• Festival: two varieties in one pot: Finchy and Rubella
Grown with care
Behind every skimmia is an experienced grower. Each with their own specialisation.
- Decaplant (BE): strong plants with a focus on the classic varieties
- Mantaflor (BE): innovative and market-oriented
- FBB Plant (NL): wide assortment
- Snepvangers (NL): strong genetics and excellent colouration
- Perry van Eijk & Gebroeders van Eijk (NL): leading in Rubella, Perosa, Festival and special varieties
Five care tips
Another advantage of the Skimmia: the plant is easy to care for. These five tips will already keep it in top form.
- Place the plant in semi-shade or shade. In full sun? Then make sure the soil is moist.
- Water if the soil is dry. Watch out for wet feet.
- Use slightly acidic potting soil. Avoid lime.
- Pruning is not a must, the plant grows slowly. Do you want to prune it into shape? Then do so after flowering.
- Combine with heather, ornamental grasses or mini-aster for original autumn balconies.