The Tranquil Skimmia

2 min

In the realm of flowers and plants, Skimmia may come across as an unassuming choice. However, don't be fooled; this modest evergreen shrub has much to offer to florists. Let's take a deeper dive into the world of Skimmia to uncover why this plant makes such a valuable addition to your floral compositions.

Skimmia's Origin

Skimmia traces its roots to East Asia, primarily in Japan and China. It thrives in mountainous regions, well adapted to shady and humid conditions. This slow-growing shrub can reach up to 1 meter in height under favorable circumstances.

Varieties of Skimmia

Belonging to the Rutaceae family, Skimmia boasts approximately 15 known species. Here are some of the most recognized ones:

Skimmia japonica: This is by far the most prevalent species, renowned for its beautiful evergreen leaves and fragrant flowers. Female plants bear the characteristic red berries post-blossom. Popular Skimmia japonica varieties include 'Rubella' and 'Fragrans.'
Skimmia reevesiana: This species is distinguished by its striking, fragrant flowers, somewhat resembling lilac blooms. It's a male species and is often cultivated to facilitate pollination for female Skimmia japonica plants.
Skimmia confusa: With glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers succeeded by red berries, this species is a popular choice for its glossy foliage and appealing berry production.
Skimmia laureola: Originating from the Himalayas, it features dark green leaves and is known for its fragrant flowers and dark red berries.
Skimmia fragrans: As the name suggests, this species is cherished for its delightfully scented flowers. It's a male plant, often planted to promote pollination and stimulate berry formation in female Skimmia japonica plants.
Skimmia anquetilia: This species boasts evergreen leaves and striking red berries. The leaves exhibit a dark green hue with a lighter edge.

Seasons and Skimmia

Skimmia's seasonal character adds an element of intrigue for florists. During spring, Skimmia adorns itself with green to green-yellow berries and forms small, round flowers in clusters. These flowers range from creamy to green and exude a subtle, captivating fragrance. After the spring bloom, little red berries emerge in the autumn, remaining on the shrub throughout the winter. This ensures that Skimmia remains a delightful addition to floral arrangements even in the winter months, lending a touch of Christmas cheer.

A Symbol of...

Regrettably, the symbolism of Skimmia remains somewhat elusive. Some assert it represents hope, renewal, and harmony, while others argue that Skimmia symbolizes modesty and serenity.

One thing is for sure: Skimmia's aesthetic adds a sense of calm and balance to floral arrangements, thanks to its evergreen leaves and the subtle hues of its flowers. This versatility makes Skimmia suitable for various compositions. Whether you seek to infuse a hint of freshness into your spring bouquets or evoke a Christmas ambiance in your winter decor, Skimmia is up to the task.

Did You Know About Skimmia?

Painted Skimmia: Skimmia is available in a wide array of colors and more. It's a prime candidate for dyeing, allowing you to elevate the creativity of your creations. Want to introduce golden accents? Opt for gold-painted Skimmia! Black-painted Skimmia imparts a spooky vibe, perfect for Halloween. Completely red-painted Skimmia is a charming choice for the Christmas season!
Different Genders: Skimmia is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers appear on separate plants. To yield berries, you need both male and female plants.
Fragrant Blossoms: Skimmia blossoms diffuse a delightful scent, sweet and citrusy. They impart a subtle perfume to your floral arrangements.
Not a Favorite Among Birds and Garden Creatures: While many berry-bearing plants attract birds and garden fauna, Skimmia is often left untouched, perhaps because they aren't particularly fond of its citrusy aroma.
Protection Against Malevolent Spirits: In Japan, Skimmia's place of origin, it's believed to offer protection against malevolent spirits. Infuse some mystique into your arrangements!
Low Maintenance: Skimmia is an undemanding plant that thrives in the shade, offering great results with minimal effort.

Order Skimmia from Flower Wholesaler PP Flowers

Enrich your floral compositions with a touch of tranquility and enigma, courtesy of the charming Skimmia. Whether it's a spring bouquet, an autumn arrangement, or a winter decoration, Skimmia stands as a timeless choice for florists.

Explore our range of Skimmia offerings in our webshop!