The skimmia japonica or Japanese skimmia produces an abundant show of red buds in early winter, which will bloom in the late winter to early spring. It grows well in shady, but light parts of the garden – full sun can bleach the colour out of the foliage.

Skimmia is a dioecious shrub, that is to say each plant bears both male and female flowers, though more than one plant is needed for the necessary cross-pollination. Flowers are small and cream; female flowers are scented, but the male’s are not. The female also bears bright red berries.

Exif Data
Focal Length: 4.1mm
Exposure Time: 1/30 sec
Flash: Off
F-Number: F/3.3
ISO: 160
Metering Mode: Matrix
White Balance: Auto