Skimmia japonica Marlot

Skimmia japonica 'Marlot' is a charming bush, with a very compact habit and beautiful shiny green, evergreen foliage. Very floriferous, it starts forming decorative panicles of flower buds in winter, which fully bloom in April and May. This white flowering covers a good part of the foliage, exhaling a sweet vanilla fragrance. It is nectar-rich and attracts pollinating insects and some birds, thus promoting biodiversity in the garden. A plant for partial shade and shade, loving moist non-alkaline soils.

Skimmia japonica belongs to the Rutaceae family, which is rich in more than 150 very diverse genera, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. It includes the large group of citrus trees as well as ornamental plants, such as Choysia. The Skimmia genus is widespread in a large area of Southeast Asia (Japan, Taiwan, Philippines) and from the Himalayas to eastern Siberia. The japonica species is the most common in our gardens, represented by a few cultivars. 'Marlot' is one of them, it is a male form that does not produce decorative fruits, but can serve as a pollinator for female clones.
With a rather slow growth, it takes about ten years to reach a height of about 75 cm and the same, or even more, in width. It can then continue to grow for a few more years, generally not exceeding 1 m. This compact cultivar is therefore an excellent subject for forming the first shrub layer of a flowerbed. The evergreen foliage consists of elliptical to lanceolate leaves, with a pointed tip. Leathery, dark green, with a glossy surface texture, they are slightly edged with yellow. Measuring from 5 to 10 cm long, they form extremely dense, ornamental vegetation throughout the year. This dark vegetative background forms a superb setting for spring flowering. This preparation begins in winter when dozens of rose-coloured flower buds appear, grouped in dense panicles, clearly visible on the plant. The flowers open in April and May, their white contrasting strongly with the dark green foliage.
Skimmia Marlot needs to be protected from bright sunlight, especially in hot climates where shade from a tree-lined edge is necessary. It also tolerates a more pronounced shade, in a woodland situation. It grows in non-chalky, neutral to acidic soil, preferably humus-bearing and especially retaining some moisture. In hot climates, watering will be necessary in summer to prevent the soil from drying out. It is therefore easier to cultivate in coastal areas. Its hardiness, around -15°C, is sufficient to be planted almost anywhere without too much risk of frost.

The Japanese Skimmia 'Marlot' will find a place at the front of a small flowerbed, along the edge, or even in pots. It can be grown alongside heather plants, with which it shares similar needs. To create a subtly beautiful scene, choose a shaded location under the branches of a Magnolia sieboldii, a superb small tree with white flowers enhanced by a purple heart, exuding a romantic charm. Place a Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire next to it, a Mountain Laurel with geometrically shaped pink flowers. And to dress up the border of your flowerbed, nothing beats a few clumps of 'Epimedium, perennials with infinitely distinguished flowers that come in a wide range of colours...