Skimmia 
Flora Frost Skimmia japonica Intense
| Leaf arrangement | spreaded |
| Leaf tip | Pointed/acute |
| Flower type | Single |
| Leaf margin | Entire |
| Winter hardness | Good (USDA-zone 5, 6) |
| Flower color | Red-dark purple red-185A |
| Leaf, general shape | Elongate; Lanceolate |
| Flower diameter | 1 - 10 mm |
| Plant height | 40 - 50 cm; 30 - 40 cm |
| Inflorescence | Raceme |
| Flowering month(s) | January; February; March; September; October; November; December |
| Leaf width | 3 - 4 cm |
| Leaf duration | Evergreen |
| Leaf size | 7,5 - 10 cm |
| Light conditions | Semi-shades; Sunny |
| Inflorescence length | 5 - 10 cm |
| Inflorescence diameter | 3 - 5 cm |
| Leaf, main color | Dark green |
| Flower color distribution | Unicolored |
| Moisture requirements | Normal |
Skimmia japonica Intense is a popular evergreen shrub known for its striking red-purple flowers and glossy dark green leaves. This plant is highly valued for its ability to thrive in colder climates, making it a great addition to gardens in USDA zones 5 and 6.
One of the standout features of Skimmia japonica Intense is its leaf arrangement, which is spreaded and has a pointed or acute tip. The leaves are elongate and lanceolate in shape, with a size ranging from 7.5 to 10 cm. The leaf width is approximately 3 to 4 cm, and the margins are smooth and entire.
Flowering from January to March, as well as in September to December, Skimmia japonica Intense produces single, unicolored flowers in a vibrant dark purple-red shade. The flower diameter ranges from 1 to 10 mm, and they are arranged in racemes, which are inflorescences with a length of 5 to 10 cm and a diameter of 3 to 5 cm.
In terms of size, Skimmia japonica Intense typically reaches a height of 40 to 50 cm, although some varieties may grow to be 30 to 40 cm tall. This compact size makes it a suitable choice for smaller gardens or as an accent plant in larger landscaping projects.
Skimmia japonica Intense prefers semi-shaded to sunny light conditions, although it can tolerate some shade. It has average moisture requirements, meaning that a normal watering routine should suffice to keep it healthy and thriving. Additionally, this evergreen shrub has excellent winter hardness, allowing it to withstand cold temperatures and frost.
As a highly ornamental plant, Skimmia japonica Intense adds beauty and visual interest to any garden or landscape. Its dark green leaves provide year-round color and texture, while the vibrant and long-lasting flowers brighten up the dull winter months. Whether planted as a standalone specimen, in borders, or in containers, this skimmia variety is a reliable and attractive choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually appealing plant.
Market availability index by month:
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 |