Skimmias are ubiquitous where I am during the winter months. More often that not found forming part of decorative planter displays high and low. I’ve posted before about my ponderings what happens to them when time comes to move on from winter to spring. Where I look all of a sudden they can’t be found anywhere. This may not be said of plant of the week – Skimmia x confusa.
Plant of the week – Skimmia x confusa.
The one seen here is huge. Found it in the Gothenburg Botanical Garden. Great to see it thriving in rather dense shade in what is roughly USDA zone 7a in mid winter. The evergreen foliage is mighty fine. Unfortunately, the exact variety is not specified on the attached label. But as can be seen from the photo below it’s a large one. Height must be close to 2 m and width around the same. This is not a shrub to be “disposed” of easily!
Skimmia x confusa has creamy-white blooms in spring which develop into redpink berries in autumn. It prefers moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in sun or shade. Considering it’s size it could be a bit tricky to work in a small garden. If it does fit, however, it would work well as screening due to the dense, evergreen foliage. Otherwise I’d say this plant would look good just generally. It has an elegant impression that suits contemporary as well as cottage garden design schemes. It’s also low maintenance.
