Skimmia or Rutaceae are evergreen shrubs, ideal for planting in a border or woodland garden. They bear small star-shaped flowers in spring, some of which are scented. These are followed, on female plants by round fleshy, red to black fruits.

Some species such as Skimmia japonica do require both a male and female plant in order to fruit. Leaves are aromatic, alternate and often form clusters which surround the flowers.

Skimmia require moist fertile soil and prefer shade or partial shade.

Rubella are evergreen, upright, dense shrub with aromatic red rimmed, bright green foliage. Deep red flower buds in autumn and winter open to dense clusters of small white flowers in spring. Height and spread 1.5 m. Male.