Skimmia japonica Godries Dwarf

The Skimmia japonica 'Godrie's Dwarf' is a dwarf Japanese Skimmia with a lovely compact, rounded, and bushy habit. Its fragrant spring flowering in panicles of white tinged with pink is magnificent against its dark green, glossy evergreen foliage. Skimmia japonica is easy to grow in shade or partial shade, preferably moist and lime-free soil rich in humus, just like rhododendrons and camellias, with which it forms beautiful pairings in the ground or containers. 

Belonging to the Rutaceae family, like citrus trees, Skimmia japonica is originally an Asian plant present in Southeast Asia. 'Godrie's Dwarf' is a dwarf horticultural variety with a bushy habit. It is nicely rounded and compact, almost as wide as tall, and its growth is relatively slow. At maturity, the shrub will reach approximately 60 cm (24in) in all directions. Floral buds form from autumn on the branches; they are purple-pink in colour, carried by petioles of the same tone, and remain throughout the winter. Flowering in April-May is in the form of panicles measuring 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3in) long. They consist of many small star-shaped flowers in white-pink colour measuring a few millimetres. Their fragrance, which evokes vanilla, can be enjoyed several metres away. The evergreen foliage is composed of leathery oval-shaped leaves measuring 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long and tapering to a point. They are arranged alternately on the branches. Their colour is a dark, glossy green. The thick foliage is slightly aromatic when crushed and not edible. This shrub is also very hardy, at a minimum of -15°C. 

Japanese Skimmia is a plant that thrives in cool and humid climates. It is suitable for planting in the undergrowth, along a north-facing facade, shrub bed, or a small shaded hedge. However, it cannot tolerate chalky and/or dry soils in hot conditions. It can grow under challenging conditions, such as under bamboo or large trees. It thrives in shade or partial shade in the company of Camellias, Rhododendrons, Heathers, and Hydrangeas. Plant Cyclamen, Bergenia, and Eranthis at its base. This male variety will pollinate several female Skimmia plants, such as 'Olympic Flame' or 'Nymans', producing small bright red non-edible berries that are very decorative for humans. 'Godrie's Dwarf' is particularly suitable for cultivation in pots or containers to decorate shaded patios and balconies.