Skimmia japonica – Evergreen Structure with Scent, Colour, and Winter Interest

Skimmia japonica is a much-loved evergreen shrub, prized for its glossy foliage, long-lasting seasonal interest, and suitability for shade. Forming a neat, rounded mound, it brings reliable structure to borders and containers throughout the year, particularly in sheltered or partially shaded positions.

From autumn through winter, plants develop attractive coloured flower buds — often deep red — which sit neatly above the foliage and provide valuable winter colour. In spring, these buds open into clusters of small, creamy-white flowers with a sweet, gentle fragrance, attracting early pollinators. On female plants, the flowers are followed by bright red berries that can persist well into winter when a male plant is nearby.

Hardy, slow-growing, and easy to care for, Skimmia japonica thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Its compact habit makes it perfect for small gardens, woodland-style planting, and containers close to entrances where its scent and winter buds can be enjoyed up close.

Elegant, dependable, and beautifully seasonal, Skimmia japonica is a superb evergreen for adding structure, scent, and colour across the year.

Seasonal Highlights

Autumn: Decorative red flower buds form above glossy foliage.
Winter: Evergreen structure with colourful buds for winter interest.
Spring: Fragrant white flower clusters attract pollinators.
Summer: Dense green foliage maintains a tidy, compact shape.

Key Features

• Evergreen foliage – Glossy leaves provide year-round structure.

• Winter buds and berries – Long-lasting seasonal colour.

• Fragrant spring flowers – Subtle scent and wildlife value.

• Shade tolerant – Thrives where many shrubs struggle.

• Low maintenance – Slow-growing and easy to manage.

Perfect For

• Shady borders – Reliable evergreen interest.

• Containers – Excellent for patios, entrances, and courtyards.

• Woodland gardens – Natural companion for ferns and hellebores.

• Winter displays – Buds and berries brighten dull months.

• Small gardens – Compact size with strong impact.

Growing Tips

Sun/Position: Partial shade to full shade; protect from strong sun.
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK.
Care: Minimal pruning required; remove spent flowers if needed.

Looks Great With

• Shade companions – Hellebores, Ferns, Brunnera, Epimedium.

• Evergreens – Sarcococca, Euonymus ‘Green Spire’, Fatsia.

• Spring bulbs – Snowdrops, Cyclamen, Crocus.

• Textural plants – Hakonechloa, Carex.

Skimmia Japonica 5 Litre Pot Grasslands Nursery

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.