Skimmia japonica ‘Kew Green’ – Compact Evergreen with Fragrant Cream Buds and Polished Structure
Skimmia japonica ‘Kew Green’ is a compact, male evergreen shrub admired for its glossy foliage and profuse clusters of pale greenish-cream flower buds that provide long-lasting seasonal interest. With a dense, mounded habit and polished look, ‘Kew Green’ is a standout choice for year-round structure in borders, containers, or shaded garden areas. Its fragrant early blooms and tolerance for low light make it especially valuable in winter gardens and formal designs.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
In early spring, ‘Kew Green’ produces tight clusters of creamy-green flower buds that open into small, fragrant, white blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding subtle elegance to the garden.
Summer:
After flowering, the glossy dark green foliage remains pristine and dense, providing a lush, structured backdrop in borders or containers.
Autumn:
Unlike female Skimmia varieties, ‘Kew Green’ does not produce berries. However, the foliage stays vibrant and full, while new buds begin to form, hinting at the next spring display.
Winter:
Buds begin to swell and take on a soft greenish-cream hue, offering texture and seasonal interest even during the darkest months. The evergreen foliage retains its neat, compact form.
Structure & Form
Skimmia ‘Kew Green’ is a slow-growing, rounded shrub typically reaching 60–90 cm in height and width, making it ideal for small spaces or container gardens.
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Foliage: Deep green, leathery, lance-shaped leaves with a slight citrus scent when crushed. Foliage remains evergreen and attractive year-round.
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Flowers: Dense clusters of creamy-green buds open into tiny, white, scented flowers in early spring.
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Growth Habit: Naturally compact, bushy, and symmetrical—ideal for low-maintenance, formal or semi-formal settings.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
Shaded Borders: Thrives in dappled to full shade, making it ideal for underplanting beneath trees or along shaded paths.
Winter Interest Gardens: Creamy buds in winter and spring provide color and fragrance when few other plants are in bloom.
Containers & Courtyards: A top choice for year-round structure in patio pots or formal container displays.
Front of House Planting: Use in symmetrical layouts, entranceways, or foundation plantings for an evergreen, tidy look.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Prefers partial to full shade. Foliage may scorch in hot afternoon sun, especially in dry conditions.
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Soil: Requires moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Avoid chalky or alkaline soils, which can cause yellowing (chlorosis).
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Hardiness: Fully hardy (USDA zones 6–9; UK H5), tolerating frosts and urban environments.
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Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in containers.
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Maintenance: Very low-maintenance. Prune lightly after flowering to shape if needed. Feed with an ericaceous fertilizer in spring to support foliage health.
Why Choose Skimmia ‘Kew Green’?
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Fragrant Cream Buds: Masses of scented, pale green buds open to delicate white blooms, offering early-season fragrance.
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Shade-Tolerant Evergreen: One of the best performers in shady garden areas, where few flowering shrubs thrive.
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Low-Maintenance Elegance: Compact habit requires little pruning and stays neat year-round.
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Excellent Structure: Ideal for formal layouts, containers, and evergreen foundations.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Heuchera & Ferns: Pair with Heuchera, Dryopteris, or Polystichum for contrasting foliage in shade borders.
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Camellias & Rhododendrons: Combine with other acid-loving evergreens for an elegant woodland effect.
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Winter Companions: Plant with Helleborus, Cyclamen coum, or Sarcococca for seasonal fragrance and bloom succession.
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Boxwood or Ilex: Use alongside clipped evergreens for a refined, structured aesthetic.
Skimmia japonica ‘Kew Green’ is a refined and reliable evergreen shrub that brings subtle charm and polished structure to shaded gardens and year-round displays. With its compact form, fragrant blooms, and tolerance for low light, it is a superb choice for both formal and relaxed planting schemes—offering beauty through all four seasons with minimal care.
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.