Though the male I bought from Condurso's last year had a hard winter, it did survive its first year in my garden. I expect it to get stronger now. My 2 females look beautiful at the foot of a Silver and Gold dogwood. I bought them a couple of years ago at Birch Hill Nursery in Wayne. I don't know if they have them this year.
I had a male before but it died. It wasn't good in the first place - it was the last one left so I took it and they gave it to me for free.
They are first rate plants and I recommend them.

This past winter was milder than most, so if your new skimmia had a hard time, that gives me pause. On the other hand, I also posted this question on the shrub forum and a gardener from CT said their survival has to do with where you plant them, since they need protection from the wind and sun not only in summer but also in winter when deciduous trees let more sunlight through. Based on that, I think the spot I have in mind (northern exposure, by a tall fence and next to an arborvite) might work, so I probably will try! I wonder (based on your experience) whether females are hardier (it's true among us humans, right?)Would you recommend Condurso's for this shrub? I've had good luck with them in the past but am open to other suggestions...thanks!

I haven't seen their shrubs this year. The one I got last year was a bit feeble but still the best of the lot.
The female plants I got from Birch Hill were very lush and they never suffered. Both times I planted in fall which I consider a disadvantage. They are all in similar locations planted near the foundation on the North side of my house.