As the days grow shorter and colder, Skimmia steps into the spotlight as Boma Garden Centre’s October Plant of the Month. Known for its vibrant berries, evergreen foliage, and adaptability, Skimmia is a must-have for any UK garden, providing interest throughout autumn and well into winter. Its vivid colours and hardy nature make it a perfect choice for both experienced and beginner gardeners alike.
Skimmia’s Origins and Adaptability
Skimmia is native to the woodlands of East Asia, particularly Japan, China, and the Himalayas, but has long been adopted by British gardeners for its ability to thrive in the UK’s temperate climate. Its evergreen leaves, striking berries, and compact shape make it a versatile plant for various garden styles, whether used in borders, containers, or window boxes. Skimmia’s resilience to the UK’s cold, frosty, and even snowy weather conditions ensures it continues to shine throughout winter.
Its adaptability makes it a perfect fit for shaded areas of the garden, where other plants might struggle. Whether in sun or partial shade, Skimmia provides texture and colour, creating a bold contrast against more delicate plants. Its evergreen foliage and berries stand out particularly during the grey and gloomy winter days, adding a splash of brightness to your garden.
A Spectrum of Berries
One of Skimmia’s most distinctive features is its beautiful berry clusters, which come in a variety of colours. From the traditional bright red to pink, orange, yellow, and even white, Skimmia’s berries offer endless options for gardeners looking to add colour to their outdoor spaces. The size and shape of the berries also vary, with some varieties producing small clusters and others showcasing larger individual berries. These berries are non-edible and persist throughout the colder months, providing a striking contrast to the plant’s dark green, aromatic leaves.
The Artistic Appeal of Skimmia in Winter
As we approach the festive season, Skimmia becomes a decorative focal point in gardens and containers. Its vibrant berries, glossy leaves, and compact growth habit lend themselves beautifully to winter planters, window boxes, and even indoor arrangements. When paired with other winter plants like Hellebore, and Camemllia, Skimmia creates a stunning winter scene that can last through to early spring.
For those looking to add seasonal interest to smaller spaces, younger varieties of Skimmia are ideal for window boxes and planters. Their compact size and slow growth rate make them perfect for combining with other evergreen shrubs, winter flowers, or ornamental grasses. Skimmia’s berries and leaves also make them a popular choice for wreaths and festive decorations, bringing natural beauty indoors during the holiday season.
Skimmia Varieties at Boma Garden Centre
Boma stocks a wide range of Skimmia varieties, including some of the most sought-after selections. Below are details on each variety, helping you find the perfect fit for your garden:
Skimmia j. Rubella
Known for its dark red flower buds in autumn, which open into fragrant white flowers in spring. Its compact size makes it perfect for borders and containers, and the red buds provide colour through the colder months.
Skimmia j. ‘Marlot’
This compact variety is ideal for small gardens or containers. It produces clusters of red buds that open to fragrant white flowers, offering a dynamic display from autumn through spring.
‘Finchy’:
A dwarf variety, ‘Finchy’ is perfect for small spaces. Its golden-green foliage provides year-round interest, and in spring, it produces small, fragrant white flowers.
Pabella’
Known for its large, round clusters of red berries that persist through the colder months. ‘Pabella’ is perfect for adding winter colour to shaded areas of the garden.
‘O’Berries’
Available in white and red, this variety offers striking colour contrasts. Its glossy, evergreen foliage provides a strong backdrop for the bright berries, which persist well into winter, adding a pop of colour to gloomy days.
‘Lipstick’
True to its name, ‘Lipstick’ features rich, deep red buds that bring a bold splash of colour to your garden in autumn. These buds open into creamy-white flowers in spring, creating a striking contrast against the plant’s dark green leaves.
‘Reevesiana’
A self-fertile variety, meaning it can produce berries without a male pollinator. Its bright red berries appear in autumn and last through the winter, making ‘Reevesiana’ a fantastic choice for winter containers or mixed beds.
•‘Fragrant Cloud’
As the name suggests, this variety is noted for its incredibly fragrant flowers, which bloom in spring. It’s a popular choice for both containers and garden beds where scent is a priority.
• ‘Perosa’: Known for its larger, more prominent berries, ‘Perosa’ stands out in winter gardens. The dense clusters of red berries create a festive feel, perfect for the holiday season.
Why Skimmia is Perfect for UK Gardens
Skimmia is an excellent fit for UK gardens, offering evergreen foliage, berry colour, and winter resilience. It thrives in the often-damp, shaded areas of British gardens and can withstand frosty, cold, and even snowy conditions. Here’s why it’s such a valuable plant:
• Shade Tolerance: Skimmia excels in partial to full shade, making it an ideal choice for those tricky garden spots where other plants might struggle.
• Winter Hardiness: Skimmia is frost-resistant and hardy, providing structure and colour through the winter when many other plants are dormant.
• Versatility: Whether planted in garden borders, containers, or window boxes, Skimmia’s compact form and slow growth make it suitable for a variety of garden styles. Its berries and flowers also make it a popular choice for winter decorations, festive arrangements, and wreaths.
Caring for Skimmia
To ensure your Skimmia thrives, follow these detailed care instructions:
• Soil: Skimmia prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. For gardens with alkaline soil, consider planting Skimmia in containers with ericaceous compost. Boma offers a range of composts suitable for Skimmia, including ericaceous compost.
• Watering: Newly planted Skimmia needs regular watering, especially in its first year. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
• Feeding: A slow-release acidic fertilizer applied in spring will encourage healthy growth and berry production. Skimmia thrives with a light feed to maintain its vibrant foliage and berries.
• Pruning: After flowering, prune lightly to maintain the shape of your Skimmia. Remove any dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring to promote new growth.
• Positioning: Place Skimmia in a shaded or partially shaded area for best results. While it can tolerate full sun, it prefers moist, shaded spots, especially during hot, dry periods.
Skimmia’s Role in Winter Gardens
Skimmia is an excellent plant for winter gardens, providing colour and structure when most other plants are dormant. Its evergreen leaves and bright berries offer a beautiful contrast to the bare branches and muted tones of winter. Skimmia pairs beautifully with other winter plants like Hellebore, ornamental grasses, or dwarf conifers in planters, window boxes, or garden beds.
In addition to its garden appeal, Skimmia’s berries and foliage can be used in festive wreaths and holiday decorations. Its resilience to frost and snow ensures it remains a focal point in winter displays, offering natural beauty throughout the coldest months.
Special Offer at Boma Garden Centre
Throughout October, Boma Garden Centre is offering exclusive discounts on a wide range of Skimmia varieties. Whether you’re looking for a bold, berry-laden shrub for your garden borders or a compact variety for winter planters, now is the perfect time to invest in this beautiful, versatile plant.
Visit Boma Garden Centre to explore our Skimmia selection and take advantage of our October offers. Our expert team is here to help you choose the perfect variety for your garden and provide advice on care and maintenance. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add this year-round favourite to your outdoor space!
