Skimmia White Dwarf

Description and Characteristics

Skimmia japonica 'White Dwarf' is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its neat habit, glossy green foliage, and abundant clusters of fragrant white flowers. This male cultivar of Skimmia japonica does not produce berries, but it plays a key role in pollination and delivers excellent year-round structure and seasonal interest.

‘White Dwarf’ stands out for its dense, dome-shaped form and pure white flower clusters, which appear in spring (typically April to May), following attractive pinkish-white flower buds held through winter. The narrow, leathery leaves are deep green and aromatic when crushed, remaining attractive throughout the year.

This low-growing variety reaches a mature height and spread of approximately 40–60 cm, making it ideal for containers, borders, shady areas, and foundation planting. It thrives in partial to full shade, making it a perfect solution for brightening darker corners of the garden.

• Compact male Skimmia with pure white flowers in spring

• Neat, evergreen shrub with glossy, aromatic green foliage

• Height & spread: 40–60 cm

• Buds form in autumn and persist attractively through winter

• Excellent for shade borders, containers, and woodland planting

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Skimmia 'White Dwarf' is easy to grow and particularly well-suited to shady or semi-shady positions. It prefers acidic or neutral soil and thrives with minimal maintenance once established.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers partial to full shade

  • Can tolerate morning sun but avoid strong midday sun, which can scorch foliage

  • Ideal for north- or east-facing sites

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows best in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

  • Prefers acidic to neutral pH; avoid chalky or alkaline soils unless using ericaceous compost

  • Enrich soil with leaf mould or compost before planting

• Watering Needs:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment and dry periods

  • Mulch annually in spring to help retain moisture

  • In containers, ensure adequate drainage and regular watering

• Feeding:

  • Feed with an ericaceous fertiliser in spring

  • Avoid lime-based feeds which can cause chlorosis (yellowing of leaves)

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Requires little or no pruning; shape lightly after flowering if needed

  • Remove any damaged or leggy stems in early spring

  • Maintain a tidy habit by deadheading spent flower clusters

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5)

  • Fully hardy across most of the UK and Ireland

  • Buds provide winter interest—protect from harsh winds in exposed areas

Garden Uses, Companions, and Seasonal Interest

Skimmia 'White Dwarf' is a year-round performer that adds value to any garden with winter buds, spring blooms, and evergreen foliage. It’s especially useful in shady areas and small spaces, offering compact, reliable structure.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for shaded borders, foundation planting, or understory layers in woodland gardens

  • Ideal for containers on patios or entrances, especially in winter

  • Pairs well in formal or Japanese-inspired garden styles

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with Heuchera, Helleborus, Ferns, Pieris, Camellia, and Hosta

  • Complements spring bulbs like Narcissus and Scilla planted nearby

  • Works well under deciduous trees, where it receives filtered light

• Seasonal Interest:

  • Autumn to winter: Pink flower buds add subtle colour and structure

  • Spring: Showy clusters of fragrant white flowers

  • Year-round: Evergreen leaves keep their shape and shine through all seasons

• Container Use:

  • Ideal for pots and troughs with ericaceous compost

  • Water regularly and feed in spring with an acid-loving plant food

  • Pairs beautifully with ivy, cyclamen, or dwarf conifers in seasonal displays

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally trouble-free

  • May occasionally suffer from chlorosis (yellow leaves) in alkaline soil

  • Slugs and snails may nibble young growth—use organic deterrents if needed

• Size
  P13

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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