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Skimmia japonica

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by Colour Your Life • Thursday December 20, 2018

Successful garden centres become Christmas shops now. Isn’t it amazing how much seasonal retailing has come on in the last decade. Now sophisticated Christmas experiences are on offer, frequently with artificial snow and real reindeer!
One of the finest winter berrying plants at this moment is the Skimmia japonica reevesiana. This is a compact, dwarf, evergreen shrub and the crimson red fruits stay on the plant throughout winter and are especially seasonal in December.

Plant choices for December
One of the finest winter berrying plants is Skimmia japonica reevesiana. This is a compact, dwarf, evergreen shrub and the crimson red fruits stay on the plant throughout winter and are especially seasonal in December.

Skimmia japonica reevesiana is a hermaphrodite plant (male and female organs) which means that it will bear berries as a single plant. This is a real asset when promoting plants as gifts. Another option could be Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’. In this case it is the red-margined leaves and dark red flower buds that provide the visual interest in autumn and winter. White berries are on offer from Skimmia japonica ‘Fructo Albo’.
Add value by matching plants with pots for a walk-away combo! Add a gift wrap or ribbon to complete the offer.

Seasonal highlights
Isn’t it amazing how garden centres have become Christmas centres? Only a few years ago they might not have been top of the list for goodies and experiences, including Santa’s grotto and real reindeer, but they certainly are now. It’s the same with plants. Some varieties really do make the perfect Christmas gifts, including Skimmia, Erica, hellebores and hollies. Pick up something beautiful and alive when you’re next in your local centre and give it to someone you love.

Remember the outdoors this festive time – it’s the best resource for soothing frayed nerves or over-indulged digestions. Staying with friends or family? Getting out for a bracing walk can restore equilibrium and harmony and give everyone some respite. It brings home to us all the importance of green space on our doorsteps.

Make it a new year’s resolution to tell everyone how valuable our ‘green lungs’ are – they even have the power to keep families together by giving them somewhere to get away from each other! 

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