Skimmia rubella refers to the popular evergreen shrub more properly known as ****, a decorative and low-maintenance garden plant. It’s widely grown in the UK and suitable for shaded or partly shaded spots in borders, woodland gardens, patios, or containers.  
🌿 What It Is
•A compact, evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and a neat, rounded habit.  
•Produces deep red flower buds in autumn and winter that open into fragrant creamy-white flowers in spring.  
•Because it’s a male cultivar, it won’t produce berries itself, but it’s excellent for pollinating nearby female Skimmia plants.  
📏 Size
•Generally grows to about 0.75–1.5 m tall and wide depending on conditions and pruning.  
🌤️ Growing Conditions
•Light: Best in partial to full shade; avoid hot, direct midday sun to protect foliage.  
•Soil: Prefers moist but well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and good organic content.  
•Moisture: Needs regular watering, especially in the first year; mulch helps retain moisture and improve soil.  
•Hardiness: Hardy across most of the UK and tolerant of cold winter temperatures down to around -15 °C once established.  
✂️ Care
•Pruning: Minimal – just trim any dead or damaged material after flowering to maintain shape.  
•Feeding: A light spring feed with a balanced fertiliser designed for shrubs helps growth.  
•Containers: Also great in pots — use an ericaceous compost if your garden soil is very alkaline.  
🌸 Why Grow It
•Winter interest: Striking red buds provide colour in otherwise dull months.  
•Spring fragrance: Sweet-scented flowers brighten borders and attract early pollinators (especially when near a female plant).  
•Versatile: Works beautifully in shaded borders, under trees, near patios, or in mixed plantings.