Where is the best place to plant a Skimmia?
Choosing skimmias 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. Choosing skimmias 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.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.Japanese skimmia is a slow-growing, shade-loving, broadleaf evergreen shrub that provides multi-season interest in the landscape. It grows from 2 feet to 7 feet tall and about 5 feet wide. It is a dense and mounding shrub with leathery ovate dark green leaves that are clustered at the branch ends.skimmia plants typically have shallow roots, averaging between 12 to 18 inches deep. This shallow root system means they require careful attention to watering and soil conditions.
How hardy is Skimmia?
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. It is best to cover these plants with a layer of leaves, pine branches or straw. Another beneficial side to growing Skimmia is that they grow well in full shade, so if you have an area in your garden that you are unsure what will grow in, Skimmia can be a good choice. They can tolerate part shade but not full sun.Skimmia Shrub Description In spring, they bloom into masses of pretty, ivory flowers with vibrant pink-red stems. Wonderfully low-maintenance, Skimmia is best suited to moist but well-drained soil and partial shade, but also grows well in full shade.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.Skimmia prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, so avoid chalky conditions unless supplemented with ericaceous compost. Water well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist, especially in dry spells. Minimal pruning is required, but you can lightly trim after flowering to maintain a compact shape.Skimmias prefer a position in light shade, but they will tolerate deeper shade or sunny spots. Only some, such as Skimia ‘Kew Green’, will grow well in full sun. Plant them in any soil as long as it’s not too wet or very dry.
How fast does Skimmia grow?
Growth rate of Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ Skimmia ‘Rubella’ looks at its best when kept to 1m or less in height. It has an average growth rate and will achieve 20-40cm per year. Rubella Japanese Skimmia will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It has a low canopy. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.Growth rate of Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ Skimmia ‘Rubella’ looks at its best when kept to 1m or less in height. It has an average growth rate and will achieve 20-40cm per year.Skimmia japonica Rubella is a perennial evergreen shrub growing up to about two and a half feet tall, with a spread of about three feet.
When to buy skimmia?
Skimmia is available to buy all year round. We also have a huge range of plants in our Evergreen section that offer year-round interest. 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.With proper care, Skimmia can thrive for 20-30 years, enhancing your garden’s beauty.Skimmia is also excellent for creating informal hedges in your garden. Thanks to its dense, bushy growth habit, this shrub forms a neat green wall that maintains its appeal throughout the year. The hedge is particularly striking in winter, especially when dusted with snow.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.
When should I cut back Skimmia?
After Flowering: Lightly prune your Skimmia after it finishes flowering. Remove any dead or damaged branches to maintain a tidy shape and encourage new growth. Autumn Cleanup: Trim back any overgrown stems in late autumn to prepare the plant for the colder months. Skimmias rarely require pruning, but you can trim and shape before growth appears in spring and once berries have passed their best (on female cultivars) to keep them neat to encourage more flowers.How to Prune Skimmia. The naturally neat and compact growth of Skimmia means it does not require pruning. Skimmia will tolerate a light trim, but it may not survive a regenerative hard prune. Prune after flowering, but be aware you may sacrifice the autumn display of berries.