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Red berries and dark green foliage of Japanese skimmia in winterShrubs

Skimmia japonica

Japanese Skimmia

shade plantevergreenwinter berriesfragrantcontainer plant

Japanese Skimmia is a compact, evergreen shrub with aromatic dark green foliage, fragrant white flowers in March-April, and bright red berries in winter (on female plants). Providing year-round structure and colour, it is one of the most popular shrubs for shade and containers.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Partial shade, Full shade
Water
Medium
Height
60–120 cm
Spread
60–120 cm
Hardiness zone
7–9
Family
Rutaceae
Evergreen
Yes
Flower colors
white
Wildlife value
bees, birds

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in partial shade or full shade in acid to neutral, moist soil. Avoid chalky soil and full sun — this causes yellowing. Water regularly and mulch with leaf mould. For berries, plant a male and female together.

Pruning tips

Skimmia needs virtually no pruning. Remove any dead or damaged wood in spring. A light shaping after flowering is possible but rarely necessary. Never prune hard — the plant grows slowly.

Good companions

Purple flower clusters of rhododendron in a shaded gardenShrubs

Rhododendron catawbiense

Rhododendron

The Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub that produces spectacular clusters of purple or pink flowers in May and June above glossy dark-green foliage. The shrub can grow quite large and makes an imposing presence in partial shade. Rhododendrons are iconic in woodland gardens and rural plantings.

Partial shadeMedium150–300 cm
Large blue-green hosta leaves in a shaded gardenPerennials

Hosta sieboldiana

Hosta

Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.

Full shadeMedium50–90 cm
Purple lenten rose blooming among evergreen foliage in early springPerennials

Helleborus orientalis

Lenten Rose

The Lenten Rose is one of the first bloomers of the garden year, with saucer-shaped flowers in purple, pink or white appearing as early as February. The evergreen, palmate foliage forms attractive clumps that remain decorative year-round. The plant is a valuable early nectar source for bees.

Partial shadeMedium30–50 cm