Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Skimmia japonica 'Bowles's Dwarf Female' (f)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Japanese skimmia 'Bowles's Dwarf Female'

A compact, evergreen shrub reaching only 15cm high and 45cm wide, with leathery, oval leaves 4cm long. Red, winter flower buds open in spring to conical clusters of tiny, fragrant, white flowers followed by bright red berries

Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Red
Winter Red Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Rutaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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 humus-rich soil in shade. Full sun may be tolerated when planted in damp soil. Also tolerant of atmospheric pollution and neglect. May become chlorotic if over-exposed to sun or on poor dry soil

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

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.