Skimmia

Skimmia japonica subsp. reevesiana

• Position: lightly dappled or deep shade
• Soil: moist, fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: April to May
• Flower colour: pure white, often pink or red tinged
• Other features: good shrub for a dark spot in the garden
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A dome-shaped, evergreen shrub with narrow, tapered dark green leaves which are slightly aromatic. In mid- to late spring, fragrant white flowers, sometimes tinged pink or red, open from red buds on dense panicles. In autumn, bright red berries are produce, often lasting well in to winter. A good shrub for a pot on the patio or in the garden border.
  
  
• Garden care: When planting incorporate plenty of well-rotted organic matter in to the planting hole. Light or no pruning is required, but can be trimmed lightly after flowering to maintain the symmetry of the shrub.