Skimmia japonica 'Godrie's Dwarf' (m)

RHS Plant Profile
skimmia 'Godrie's Dwarf'
Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

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

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rutaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamentalnot to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamentalnot 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