Skimmia japonica 'Kew White' (f)
skimmia 'Kew White'
A slow growing evergreen shrub to 1.5m high, with elliptic, leathery green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. Clusters of fragrant small white flowers are produced in spring, and if pollinated, these are followed by creamy white berries in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | White | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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, moist but well drained soil, in light to full shade; prefers acidic to neutral soils but will tolerate alkaline soils where there is plenty of humus. Plants may become chlorotic on poor, dry soil or in too much sun. This cultivar produces female flowers, plant a male cultivar nearby to ensure pollination and berries
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 8 (evergreens) 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.