Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'

Compact and easy for any reasonably well drained soil (except very chalky soil) in sun or light shade. Red buds followed by white flowers and – if there’s a male Skimmia nearby (there usually is) to fertilize it – shiny little red berries in autumn.

Skimmias grow slowly. Maybe 10ft after many years but they clip well and are very tough.

Propagated by cuttings.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.