Fresh skimmia, warm colours, sweet scents. As summer approaches its end, the green berries of the Skimmia turn into dark red pearls. Sparkling above the shiny leaves, they spread a subtle sweet scent that is entirely appropriate for fine late summer weather.
COLOURS AND SHAPES
If you like light colours, go for the skimmia in spring. At that time, the berries are still green with shades of yellow. If you are more into darker shades, then the warm, burgundy Skimmia of autumn is a must. And unlike many other berry-bearing plants, birds and small garden animals are not big fans of Skimmia's berries. So they stay nice and long.
SYMBOLIC
Unfortunately, little is known about the symbolism of the Skimmia. We know that it can withstand the cold, does not give up easily and changes colour with the seasons. So, as far as we are concerned, an absolute go-getter with a fine sense of style.
ORIGIN
The Latin name was derived in 1784 from 'Miyama shikimi', the Japanese term for Skimmia. Skimmia belongs to the rue family (Rutaceae) which also includes citrus trees. You can detect this kinship in its leaves: when you bruise them, a citrus scent is released. In the wild, Skimmia grows in the forests of China and other parts of Asia, such as the Himalayas.