Grow things that thrive in soil containing a lot of feeding roots such as
skimmia, syphoricarpus and Hydrangea arborescens Grandiflora.
Varieties available are
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' (pictured), Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety', Euonymus 'Blonde Beauty', Choisya ternata 'Sundance', Ceonothus (Californian lilac) and Leucothoe 'Scarletta'.
Varieties available are
Skimmia japonica Rubella (illustrated), Euonymus Fortunei Emerald Gaiety, Euonymus Blonde Beauty, Choisya ternata Sundance, Ceanothus (Californian Lilac) and Leucothoe Scarletta.
skimmia Garden still looking bleak despite the appearance of snowdrops and a few other early bulbs?
Originally from such far away countries as the Himalayas, China and Japan (which gives rise to their botanical name of
Skimmia japonica), their aromatic, glossy leaves provide a perfect foil firstly for the red flower buds and then the dainty panicles of small, white flowers.
Skimmia japonica 'Nymans' carries abundant red berries that last deep into winter.
There are even shiny red berries on the
skimmia and there are masses of pretty twiggy hazel branches.
If space is tight or you are only able to do container gardening but you'd like some ornamental winter berries, I'd recommend
skimmia and gaultheria, both compact enough for pots, which put on a good show.
Another great plant for autumn and winter pots is the
skimmia japonica subspecies Reevesiana, which produces long-lasting clusters of bright red berries in winter, nestled among dark evergreen leaves.
Compact evergreen
skimmia come into their own in winter with a show of red buds.
Then there is the winter glory of evergreens as a backdrop, such as pines, ilex hollies proudly boasting bright berries, scented rosemary,
skimmia with glossy leaves, and yew, reputed to keep bad spirits away.
BEST OF THE BUNCH
Skimmia In a container display or border,
skimmia is an invaluable small evergreen shrub providing winter interest with its red flower buds or big red berries.