Does skimmia prefer sun or shade?
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.
How tall does a skimmia japonica grow?
(3ft)
Skimmias are evergreen shrubs growing to about 1m (3ft) high and roughly the same spread. They originate from Japan, China and spread West to the lower parts of the Himalayas. They are grown for their foliage and where male and female plants are present, for the female plant’s berries.
Is skimmia japonica fast growing?
Skimmias are low maintenance, neat, slow-growing evergreen shrubs for a border in partial to deeper shade. The spring flowers are followed by red or white berries on female plants, giving an additional autumn interest to borders or containers for winter.
Can skimmia grow in full sun?
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 can you tell if a skimmia is male or female?
The male plant can be identified by its shape, it flowers slightly more vigorously, and the flowers have pistils. Skimmia is a member of the rue family (Rutaceae), which also includes citrus trees. The family resemblance is clear from the leaves: if you crush them, it releases a citrus fragrance.
Do Skimmias need lots of water?
Skimmias growing in pots should be watered regularly and never allowed to dry out. Even during the winter months, occasional watering may be needed.
Can Skimmia be cut back hard?
Skimmia can be cut back hard in spring, if they become to large and need regeneration.
When should you plant skimmia?
fall
Skimmia is best planted in fall, but it is still perfectly possible to plant it in spring. Know that Skimmia particularly appreciate acidic soil and will love heath soil. If creating a hedge, place your Skimmia no more then 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm) apart.
Can skimmia be cut back hard?
Why are the leaves on my skimmia turning yellow and dropping?
When skimmia leaves turn yellow, check that the shrub is not getting too much sunlight or that the soil pH is not too alkaline, which would block the iron uptake. Poor soil and lack of nutrients can also cause the leaves to turn yellow, wither, and fall.
What plants look good with Skimmia?
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.
Can you keep Skimmia small?
Hermaphrodite varieties are best for small spaces as they produce berries on their own. The fruits can cause mild stomach upset if eaten. Skimmia size varies according to variety and ranges from 50 to 150 cm high and wide.
How can you tell if a Skimmia is male or female?
Can you cut skimmia back hard?
What is the difference between male and female skimmia Japonica?
Skimmia plants are either male or female. Male skimmia produce colourful buds and blossoms, while females do that and more. Female skimmia also deliver colourful, bright red berries in late fall and winter. One male can pollinate several females so draw up your planting plan accordingly.
Should you deadhead skimmia?
Pruning Skimmia Prune only when the plants become straggly. Remove any dead or damaged wood. Skimmia can be cut back hard in spring, if they become to large and need regeneration.
Do skimmias need lots of water?
What is the difference between male and female Skimmia?
ANSWER: Skimmia Pabella is a female variety of skimmia. It is a mutation of Skimmia Rubella which is male. It will only produce berries if a male plant is nearby.
What is the difference between S japonica and s reevesiana?
Attractive in a container. It is self-fruitful in contrast to S. japonica which requires both male and female plants. The bisexual flowers of S. reevesiana are helpful in distinguishing it from S. japonica.
Is Reeves Skimmia poisonous?
Skimmia reevesiana (Reeves Skimmia) is similar, but lower growing, self-fertile, with dull crimson fruit. Caution: The plant is poisonous, causing cardiac arrest if large quantities are ingested. The red fruit is the usual cause of poisoning.
What is Skimmia japonica?
Japanese Skimmia. Perfect for shady gardens, Skimmia japonica (Japanese Skimmia) is a lovely, dense, mounded, evergreen shrub, prized for its fragrant flowers, aromatic leaves and showy fruits. In mid spring, large clusters of fragrant, star-shaped, creamy white flowers, occasionally tinged pink, appear at the branch tips.
How do you care for a Skimmia reevesiana?
Part shade to shade, may get bleached out in sun; prefers moist, acid, high organic matter soils, but may also thrive in limestone soils. One male plants per six female plants needed for good fruit set. Frequently suffers from spider mites. Skimmia reevesiana (Reeves Skimmia) is similar, but lower growing, self-fertile, with dull crimson fruit.