[mrs bouquet]

I have just had remove one which was about 40 years old.   They are a struggle up here on the chalk, nevertheless, it always had lovely berries and scented flowers.     My idea is to replace with a new one and plant in a large containers.    By doing that I can ensure that it always has a topping of the correct soil and feed.
But, as I am looking where to buy, It speaks of having a male and female nearby.     Why does it say this ?
My old one has had no other nearby, and in its hayday was glorious.     I only have room for one.   What will I miss and should I get a male or female.     Advice Please.      Mrs Bouquet

[New shoot]

Male skimmias do not produce berries, but by far the most popular one in the garden centre is Skimmia japonica Rubella and that is male.  It is compact, evergreen, has attractive pink buds all winter and these open into scented little white flowers. 

If you want a good container plant that is one to consider 

[mrs bouquet]

Thanks for your answer.  After a few hours and 'phone calls and emails yesterday, I found out that the one that cross pollinates is called Skimmia Reeveseana.    That must be the one I had before, it had all the lovely things on it.     From that point on my hours were wasted.  Nobody has got one       Except one place were they had a 6 inches one for £25      I took two little cutting off the old one (thats all there was) to see what happens.     Somewhere else, the lady said she knew exactly what I wanted and why, and they will be have a few in November between 12 and 18".    I am now trying to re-think what to put in this blinking container, which I haven't even bought anyway      Thanks again, stay safe,  Mrs Bouquet