Skimmia japonica 'Godrie's Dwarf' (m)
skimmia 'Godrie's Dwarf'
A compact, rounded, evergreen shrub to around 75cm tall and wide with elliptic, leathery, mid- to dark green leaves. Terminal panicles of greenish-white winter buds gradually darken in colour to a pinkish-red before opening to tiny, fragrant, pink flowers in spring; this is a male clone so does not produce berries
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Pink | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Skimmia are compact evergreen shrubs with simple, aromatic leaves and terminal panicles of small white or yellowish flowers followed, on fertilised female plants, by shiny red berries; most have male and female flowers on separate plants
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in light or deep shade. Can become chlorotic on poor, dry soils or if exposed to too much sun
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings rooted with bottom heat in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 8 if necessary
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, and to vine weevil when grown in containers
Diseases
May be susceptible to Phytophthora and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.