Plant of the week

Skimmia japonica: This is not the most exciting shrub but it is evergreen, it does produce flowers (albeit on the small side) and, depending on the sex and the variety, colourful flower buds, beautiful red berries and even a fragrant scent. The only potential drawback is that, to thrive, a skimmia needs an acidic soil. ‘Rubella’ and is a very accommodating plant. Grow it in a slightly shady spot and it should eventually become a compact shrub, perhaps three feet high and the same in width.