Skimmia japonica Mystic Marlot

The  Skimmia japonica 'Mystic Marlot', is a compact bush with evergreen foliage. Very floriferous, it thrives in April-May, exuding a sweet vanilla fragrance. The flower buds remain on the plant throughout the winter. The colour of these small buds varies with the seasons. In autumn, they are  white then turn  deep red in winter. In spring, the buds open cream white. Nectar-producing, skimmia attracts pollinating insects and some birds.

Belonging to the Rutaceae family, Skimmia japonica is originally an Asian plant present in Southeast Asia. 'Mystic Marlot' is a horticultural variety composed entirely of male individuals, so it never bears fruit. The flowering corresponds to paniculate flower heads measuring 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3in) long. They consist of a cluster of small star-shaped flowers measuring a few millimetres. Its foliage is evergreen and variegated, green and silver, with cream margins, making it decorative all year round. The leaves are oval-shaped, 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long and tapering to a point. They are alternate. It has a thick foliage that is slightly aromatic and toxic. 'Mystic Marlot' reaches a height of 50 to 80 cm (20 to 32in) at maturity, and is a particularly compact bush with slow growth, and is also very hardy.

Skimmia japonica does very well at the front of a small flower bed, as a border or even in pots. It does not like excessively chalky soils but tolerates fairly difficult conditions, such as under bamboo. It thrives in shade or partial shade and is perfectly hardy. In a flower bed, combine it with Camellias, Rhododendrons, Heathers, and Hydrangeas, as well as with Cyclamens, Bergenias, and Wallflowers. To have fruit, plant 'Mystic Marlot' alongside a female or hermaphrodite variety that will produce small, decorative but toxic bright red berries.