Skimmia laureola

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

Skimmia laureola is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

An undershrub in rocky places in oak and fir forests, 2400 - 3600 metres from C. Nepal to N. China.

E. Asia - N.W. Himalayas to N. China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - cooked. Used as a condiment. The strongly aromatic leaves are used in curries or as a flavouring for other foods.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves are used in the treatment of smallpox. The smoke produced by burning them is said to purify the air.

Other

Rating: 3

An essential oil in the leaves is used in scenting soap. The dried leaves are used as an incense. The fresh leaves are used to make garlands for weddings. Plants can be grown as a ground cover when planted about 1 metre apart each way. Wod - used to make handles of small farming implements such as hoes and axes.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in a well-drained open loam or in a peaty soil in a sunny position. Probably flowers well in the shade. Plants are very tolerant of atmospheric pollution, being unharmed by deposits of soot or a sulphur-laden atmosphere. This species is not very frost-hardy and so is rather tender in much of Britain. The flowers are sweetly scented. The small yellow flowers are oppressively scented, giving a somewhat unpleasant smell near to, though agreeable at a distance. The bruised leaves are strongly aromatic. The plant is superficially similar to Daphne cannabina and is often mistaken for that species. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - can be sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. It also succeeds when sown in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. If there is sufficient seed then it can be sown can be in an outdoor seedbed in early spring. Grow the plants on in the seedbed for a couple of years before planting them out in late autumn or early spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a cold frame. Cuttings of nearly mature side shoots, 7 - 10cm with a heel, September in a cold frame. Slow to root, they should be left for 18 months before moving to their permanent positions. Good percentage. Layering in autumn. Takes 18 months. Good to high percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

A poisonous alkaloid called 'skimmianin' is found in all parts of the related S. japonica, it is probably also present in this species.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. melanocarpa. Reh.&Wils. Limonia laureola.