Where does Skimmia grow best?
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. Pruning. Skimmia needs little pruning, but if you want to reduce the size, or take out a few shoots growing at funny angles, the best time to do this is between mid spring and late summer when your plant is actively growing. Don’t get too carried away though, as you’ll ruin the natural shape.Do bear in mind, this is a slow growing plant and all you should really do is cut back the dead flower heads, which will prepare it for producing those striking buds for Autumn and Winter. Normally you will see Skimmia at their very best in the garden centres in Autumn/early Winter.Japanese skimmia flourishes best in partial to full shade. Too much sunlight can scorch the leaves and prevent flowers from forming. If planted in a garden, select a spot under larger trees where it can benefit from dappled sunlight.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. Skimmia plants prefer neutral soils.
How hardy is Skimmia?
Is skimmia winter hardy? Most types of skimmia bush are winter-hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -20°C with no problems. Mature, well-established plants do not need winter protection in most regions, however, freshly planted and younger plants do. Skimmia are versatile, low maintenance evergreen shrubs suitable for almost any garden. They are excellent for autumn and winter planting.Skimmia japonica, commonly called Japanese skimmia, is a dense, mounded, broad-leaved evergreen shrub that matures to 3-4′ tall and to 5′ wide. Female plants typically spread more than male plants.Sow and Plant Space skimmias 4 feet (1. Allow more space for single specimens of male skimmias, which can grow to 6 feet (2 m) tall and wide. In containers plant one dwarf female plant per 14-inch (35 cm) pot. Skimmia is often used as an upright accent plant in mixed containers.Skimmia look great growing in pots and especially when planted with other winter feature plants. I suggest planting them with winter flowering heathers, winter flowering pansies, miniature cyclamen, hellebores, dwarf early flowering bulbs and trailing variegated small leaf ivies.
What is another name for Skimmia?
The botanical name Skimmia is a Latinization of shikimi (シキミ, 樒), which is the Japanese name for Illicium religiosum as well as an element in miyama shikimi (ミヤマシキミ, 深山樒), the Japanese name for Skimmia japonica. Thunb. See text. Skimmia with berries Skimmia japonica in blossom Skimmia japonica Inflorescence. Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ This male form is hard to beat for all year round perfection. Produces panicles of red buds throughout autumn and winter then will bloom with fragrant white flowers in the spring.Popular as a potted plant or for shrub beds, Skimmia are slow growing, evergreen robust plants. Rubella is an excellent male clone with large panicles of red buds persisting throughout the winter, opening in early spring to white flowers with yellow anthers. Suitable for containers.Skimmia japonica, the Japanese skimmia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae, native to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Growing to 6 m (20 ft) tall and wide, it is a rounded evergreen shrub with glossy, leathery leaves.Skimmia japonica Rubella is the perfect choice for those looking for an easy-care indoor and outdoor plant that looks beautiful all year round! Its dark green leaves and small, fragrant flowers will brighten up any space.
Will Skimmia tolerate wind?
These stunning shrubs will also grow well in coastal and windy areas. All varieties of Skimmia grow best in semi-shade although they will tolerate the sun. They also perform well as container shrubs and can be underplanted. For a compact evergreen shrub, Skimmia japonica ‘Fragrant Cloud’ has a lot to offer. Aromatic, dark green, glossy leaves provide interest all year round. In spring, clusters of small fragrant flowers add interest and are popular with pollinators.Skimmia japonica ‘Fragrans’ (male) (syn. Fragrant Cloud) A compact, evergreen shrub with clusters of fragrant, white flowers in April and May and slightly aromatic, dark green leaves. This award-winning shrub is a particularly fragrant and free-flowering variety.Skimmia Japonica ‘Godrie’s Dwarf’ is a real architecture plant that gives the garden structure. It is an evergreen shrub that blooms early in the season with beautiful scented, creamy white coloured flowers, followed by red fruits later in the season.Plant Skimmia for winter interest with other plants Skimmia grows well in a woodland style garden due to it enjoying the shade so much. Still, in a pot or container, it is striking planted along with some brightly coloured lime Heucheras, vibrant pink Cyclamen and a variety of Heather.