Skimmia japonica Moerings 47 Pink Dwarf

The Skimmia japonica Pink Dwarf has been selected for its very limited growth as well as its abundant pastel pink, subtly scented blooms. Decorative for a good part of the year, it adorns itself with pretty pink buds in autumn, forms a lovely ball of leaves in winter and flowers quite early in spring. It is easily cultivated in shade or semi-shade, in cool and light soil devoid of limestone, like dwarf rhododendrons, hostas and Japanese azaleas with which it forms beautiful displays. Ornamental, melliferous and nourishing, the Skimmia attracts pollinating insects and a whole little auxiliary gardener's fauna. Ideal in a pot on the terrace or balcony and in a small Japanese-style garden! 

Belonging to the family of the rutaceae like citrus trees, the Skimmia japonica is originally an Asian plant found in Southeast Asia. The 'Pink Dwarf' is a horticultural variety with a bushy, very compact, nicely rounded habit, as wide as it is high, and quite a slow its growth. At maturity, the bush will reach about 50-60 cm. Its well-developed root system compared to its vegetation allows it to better tolerate soil that occasionally dries out. The floral buds of a candy pink colour form on the branches in the autumn and persist throughout the winter. The flowering itself, in April-May, is in the form of panicles of 3 to 6 cm (1.2 to 2.4 in) long. They are made up of a multitude of tiny star-shaped flowers of a very pale pink colour, measuring a few millimetres. Their scent, which can evoke vanilla, can be enjoyed from several metres away. The evergreen foliage is formed of 5 to 10 cm (2 to 3.9 in) long, ovate, and pointed leaves. They are alternately arranged on the branches. It is a thick foliage that is slightly aromatic when crushed, but not edible. This bush is also very hardy, down to a minimum of -15°C (5 °F).

In cool and humid climates, the Japanese skimmia has its place among undergrowth, along a north-facing wall, in a shrub bed, or in a small shaded hedge. It not dislikes limestone and/or dry soil, is averse to heat, but can tolerate fairly difficult conditions to grow, under bamboos or large trees for example. It is happy in shade or semi-shade, in the company of ferns, Rhododendrons, Heathers and Japanese azaleas. Plant Cyclamen, Bergenia, violets, and Eranthis at its feet, for example.