Skimmia arborescens

Unusual species; smaller, shrubby forms are indigenous to McDonalds and Burger King parking lots throughout the warm temperate world. As strange as it seems, this genus actually does have a habitat in moist woodlands of Asia, having sweetly scented flowers and quite attractive berries produced by the girls. S. arborea is a southern Chinese member of the genus that can grow to at least 20 ft in height with a very attractive umbrella shape and glossy evergreen leaves. Dappled shade, fertile soil with even moisture. Ours are unsexed, therefore quite under sexed, so possibly no berries. Received from the Kunming Botanical Garden some years ago, we do know that it has been a handsome garden plant and has grown to about 8 ft in ours. We feel reasonably confident of its aptitude for USDA zone 8 but not likely 7 or below.