Skimmia japonica 'snow white'

At the beginning of February it was the Orangery that smelled delicious, now at the end of February there is a plant competing for attention in the restored vinery. There are several pots of this delicious smelling plant: Skimmia japonica 'snow white'.

The Royal Horticultural Society website   explains that the name Skimmia comes from the Japanese name for the plant, shikimi, and japonica means Japanese. It is a genus containing four species of evergreen shrubs and trees originating  from the woodlands of the Himalayas through to South East Asia, China and Japan.

According to the RHS, Skimmia tolerate shade, atmospheric pollution, and neglect. The latter sounds a little harsh considering how rewarding they are in the winter months.