Plant Of The Month, January
Skimmia japonica
I love Skimmia all year round, but best enjoy it in winter; when there is very little interest in the cutting garden, this neat evergreen shrub spoils with delicate gently fragrant flowers followed by lilac-like clusters of berries. There is an array of ornamental varieties, with flowering buds varying from lime green, bronze to dark reds in colour.
It grows slowly, and enjoys a semi shaded position in the garden; but it is also quite happy in a container by your front door. Just make sure it is not in full sun, which turns its leaves yellow and makes the shrub spindly.
Skimmia makes a fantastic cut flower / foliage to use in floral arrangements. For a seasonal winter display, mix it with holly, ivy and hazel catkins when available. It is also my favourite ingredient to decorate Christmas wreaths.