This shrub has mutable upright stems from the base and forms a compact bushy habit. It has glossy dark green oblong leaves and the fragrant male and female creamy white star-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during early spring followed by red fruit. 

Hardiness zones 7 to 9

Skimmia japonica is naturally found in Japan growing in mountain woodlands in Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu from sea level to an altitude of 1,919m (6,296 ft). 

It prefers a shaded to semi shaded or tolerates a sunny position and grows in well drained organic rich moist sandy to clay, including chalky soils and is pH adaptable tolerating a range from 5.2-8.0. It is frost and drought tolerant but prefers some protection during winter.

The Japanese Skimmia is grown for its bushy growth habit and its flowers. It is planted along borders as a low screen in small gardens or used in planter boxes. It is also trimmed to form an informal hedge in Japanese gardens and can be grown as a bonsai subject. It is suitable for coastal and mountainous regions and establishes in 3-5 years. In woodland settings it is used as an understory plant and there are many cultivars available. ID 2783
 
Skimmia (SKIM-ee-uh)  japonica (juh-PON-ih-kuh)

Rutaceae (roo-TAY-see-ee)
Rue and Citrus Family