Skimmia x confusa Kew Green – male

A male form of skimmia with an attractive, unusual flower colour, Skimmia x confusa Kew Green is a small, slow-growing, evergreen shrub with a dense, broad, spreading habit. The aromatic leaves are broadly lance-shaped, deep green and leathery, and up to 4 /12cm long. In spring, panicles of scented, creamy-white to pale yellow flowers open from lime-green buds; these are a valuable nectar source for pollinators and really light up a shady spot. As a male form, it does not carry berries, but it will pollinate female skimmias nearby. Skimmia Kew Green holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Well drained, fairly light, humus-rich soil
Position: Partial shade or deep shade
Season of interest: All year, especially spring
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 39 (1m) Spread: 5 (1.5m) in 10 years