Is Skimmia Rubella sun or shade?
Skimmia ‘Rubella’ Wonderfully low-maintenance, Skimmia is best suited to moist but well-drained soil and partial shade, but also grows well in full shade. It’s a little sensitive to light, so if possible, keep it out of the full sun, as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow. Skimmia are fantastic plants for December. Their lush evergreen leaves, and the rich clusters of berries of the female plants, make for stunning additions to both outdoor winter garden displays and to arrangements to bring indoors.Skimmia is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves, bright winter berries and then white flowers in late spring. They give a great deal to each season in the garden and also look good in pots and containers plus they can be planted at any time of the year as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged.Skimmias are one of the best low-maintenance, slow-growing, hardy evergreen shrubs for shadier borders. They are also a good choice for container planting in north-facing situations.Skimmias do best in partial shade although they will tolerate full shade. Apart from in cooler areas of the country or where the soil remains moist all summer, avoid growing skimmias in full sun which can make the leaves pale and the whole plant look sickly.
What problems does Skimmia Rubella have?
Skimmias generally grow problem-free, but yellowing of the leaves is a sign that something is wrong. Too much sun/drought: Skimmias can develop yellow spots on the leaves if they are exposed to too much sun or if the air is too dry. Growing skimmia: problem solving Yellowing or pale leaves, sometimes coupled with spindly growth, are likely to be a result of dry conditions or poor soil. Correct by improving the soil with an annual mulch of well-rotted organic matter or move the plant to a better position.Too much sun/drought: Skimmias can develop yellow spots on the leaves if they are exposed to too much sun or if the air is too dry. It is important to provide enough shade and moist soil, especially around the plant’s roots.Feeding skimmia Use a fertiliser specifically designed for acid-loving plants, such as rhododendron or hydrangea feed, to maintain the plant’s health and vibrant green foliage. Exercise caution when feeding your skimmia: over-fertilising can cause leaf yellowing and root damage.How to grow skimmias. Skimmia prefer a position in shade and can even tolerate positions in deep shade. Definitely avoid planting in full sun as it can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Is Skimmia rubella fast growing?
Growth rate of Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ It has an average growth rate and will achieve 20-40cm per year. Skimmia are evergreen shrubs that are extremely valuable for their multi-season displays – especially in autumn and winter. Their glossy evergreen leaves provide a lovely foil to their fragrant white or yellowish flowers in April and May.Skimmias are one of the best low-maintenance, slow-growing, hardy evergreen shrubs for shadier borders. They are also a good choice for container planting in north-facing situations. Smaller plants are useful for window boxes or hanging baskets in winter.So why are Skimmia so useful to us? At first glance those rather leathery looking leaves are mid-green and seem fairly ordinary. But those tough leaves are very wind and shade tolerant. They will even put up with salt laden winds when planted close to the coast!With proper care, Skimmia can thrive for 20-30 years, enhancing your garden’s beauty.