Skimmia japonica 'MAGIC MARLOT'^®

Magic Marlot^® is a fantastic introduction from the Netherlands. This is a Japanese skimmia variety with gorgeous leaves and flowers. It was found in 1998 as naturally occurring variation of Marlot plants and showed consistent colouring and quality ever since.

The evergreen, leathery leaves are mid green with silvery variegation and conspicuous creamy white margins. They create a perfect background for another lovely feature which are the flowers. They are creamy white and come out in April from buds that start as white in early autumn, changing to deep red or almost burgundy red over winter. Magic Marlot^® is a dwarf variety of slow growth.

If you plant it well you needn’t look after it any longer except for occasional watering in dry spells. There are a few rules you have to obey if you want your skimmia look perfect: the soil has to be always moist but extremely well-drained, acidic (add peat) and light (add leaf mould), humus-rich. The best location is dappled shade or even deep shade (shady back of your house or under thick canopies of tall trees). They will take full sun only if given perfect ericaceous soil and high air humidity. When leaves turn pale or yellow the plant suffers from too much sun or water, or too little nutrients in the soil which should be acidic. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution. The plant is poisonous. Hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 28-12-2008