Skimmia Japonica Finchy

Plant Fact File:

• Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
• Common Name: Skimmia ‘Finchy’
• Botanical Name: Skimmia japonica ‘Finchy’
• Growth Habit: Compact, mounded
• Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
• Spread: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
• Foliage: Dark green, glossy leaves
• Flower: Fragrant, creamy-white flower clusters in spring
• Fruit: Bright red berries on female plants in autumn and winter
• Hardiness: Fully Hardy
• Aspect: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
• Uses: Borders, containers, woodland gardens, underplanting

Description:

Skimmia japonica ‘Finchy’ is a compact, mounded evergreen shrub prized for its glossy dark green foliage and fragrant flowers. It typically grows to a height and spread of 30-60 cm, making it ideal for smaller gardens or container planting. In spring, fragrant creamy-white flower clusters appear, adding a delightful touch to the garden. Female plants may also produce bright red berries in autumn and winter, providing additional seasonal interest.

Key Features:

• Compact Growth Habit: One of the standout features of Skimmia japonica ‘Finchy’ is its compact, mounded growth habit. This makes it well-suited for smaller gardens, borders, or container planting, where it can add texture and interest without overwhelming the space. Its moderate size also allows for easy maintenance and versatility in landscaping.
• Attractive Foliage: The dark green, glossy leaves of ‘Finchy’ provide year-round interest in the garden. The foliage remains evergreen throughout the year, adding color and texture even in the depths of winter. The glossy leaves catch the light and create a lush backdrop for the fragrant flowers and bright red berries.
• Fragrant Flowers: In spring, Skimmia japonica ‘Finchy’ produces clusters of small, fragrant creamy-white flowers. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding ecological value to the garden. Their delicate fragrance also adds to the overall sensory experience of the garden, especially in the springtime.
• Seasonal Berries: Female plants of ‘Finchy’ may produce bright red berries in autumn and winter. These berries provide a pop of color against the dark green foliage and are highly ornamental, attracting birds to the garden. They also add seasonal interest and can be particularly striking against a backdrop of frost or snow.
• Versatile Uses: Skimmia japonica ‘Finchy’ is a versatile shrub that can be used in various ways in the landscape. It works well as a border plant, mass planting, or underplanting for larger trees and shrubs in woodland gardens. It is also well-suited for container planting, where its compact size and attractive foliage make it an excellent choice for patio or balcony gardens.