Skimmia Flowers
Name : Skimmia Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Skimmia, (Skimmia japonica)
Skimmia Description
Skimmia is a small genus comprising of four species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the Rue family, Rutaceae, native to warm temperate regions of Asia.
Skimmia flowers are showy, small and white in colour, borne in dense panicle clusters with each flower having 4-7 petals and about 6-15 mm in diameter. Skimmia has dark green leaves clustered at the ends of the shoots and all parts of the plant have a pungent aroma when crushed. Skimmia is equally popular for its showy fruit, small red berries that resemble holly. Skimmia flower buds appear in autumn and winter, while eye-catching, scented flowers open in the spring. In most varieties, the male and female flowers are separate so in order to produce fruit, the two types should be in close vicinity.
Skimmias are valued as garden plants for their evergreen foliage, lovely flowers, and showy red fruits. Skimmia thrives in shade, and prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acid soils. Skimmias are hardy shrubs and are tolerant of both drought and air pollution.
Skimmia propagate mostly by tip cuttings started in a greenhouse in either mid-summer or during the winter dormant season months of November through February. They may also be started by seeds sown in fall.
Skimmia is an ideal plant for the winter shade garden. Several Skimmia varieties have varying growth habits and look great in borders, foundation plantings, spot colour in the landscape or to use in containers. The best display is achieved when three or more Skimmia plants are clustered together and provides good colour all year round.
Skimmia is a good cut flower that is valued for its flower buds as well as the showy red berries that find extensive use in Christmas themes. Cut branches of Skimmia with berries are also used as a substitute for holly, during the holiday season. Skimmia look great in all kinds of flower arrangements, table centerpieces and corsage work. The glossy, deep red berries add texture and drama to an arrangement while the flowers work great in combination with brighter blossoms or as filler. Skimmia flower buds have a long vase life of 10-14 days.
Popular varieties and cultivars of the Skimmia flower include Skimmia japonica 'Emerald King', S. japonica 'Fragrans', S. japonica 'Godrie's Dwarf', S. japonica 'Keessen', S. japonica 'Kew White', S. japonica 'Nymans' and S. japonica 'Rubella'.
Skimmia Meaning
The name Skimmia is derived from Japanese, Skimmi, meaning a hurtful fruit.
Skimmia Mythology
