By Johnson 
Skimmia japonica
Ornamental flowering Japanese skimmia, Skimmia japonica, is a broadleaf evergreen in the Rutaceae or citrus family native to parts of northeast Asia, including Japan and Taiwan.
It is suited to cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 8.
This species is dioecious, meaning plants are either male or female, though there are some self-fertile subspecies and cultivars.
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S. japonica subsp. reevesiana is a naturally hermaphroditic subspecies that produces both male and female flowers and can set fruit without the need for a separate pollinator.
Mature specimens typically reach three to four feet tall and four to five feet wide, with female plants tending to spread the most.
In spring, all types produce upright terminal panicles of white flowers. Male flowers are generally the largest and most fragrant.
Hermaphroditic varieties and pollinated females showcase bright red, berry-like drupes from autumn through the winter.
Males display colorful green, pink, or red buds during that time. Note that while ornamental, the fruits are toxic and should not be consumed.
S. japonica is a low-maintenance shrub that makes an ideal container plant flanking an entrance or accenting a patio.
Compact and slow-growing, it’s ideal for use as an accent in a mixed border, massed in foundation plantings, a mid-level filler beneath deciduous trees, and in mixed shrub groupings.
Quick Look
Common name(s): Japanese skimmia
Plant type: Broadleaf evergreen woody shrub
Hardiness (USDA Zone): 6-8
Native to: Northeast Asia, including Japan and Taiwan
Bloom time / season: Spring, winter interest buds or drupes
Exposure: Partial shade, dappled sunlight
Soil type: Organically-rich, well-draining
Soil pH: 5.0-7.4, slightly acidic to neutral
Time to maturity: 5-7 years
Mature size: 3-4 feet tall by 4-5 feet wide (depending on cultivar)
Best uses: Border, containers, foundation, hedge, mass plant, mixed shrub grouping, understory filler
Taxonomy
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Skimmia
Species: Japonica
The evergreen foliage consists of leathery, lanceolate leaves, typically three to five inches long and varies from solid deep green to variegated forms with creamy or yellow margins, depending on the cultivar.
They are arranged alternately along the stems and tend to be concentrated toward the tips of the branches, giving the plant a bushy, compact appearance.
When bruised, the leaves emit a citrus-like aroma, a trait shared with other members of the citrus family.
You’ll need to ensure that there is one male plant for every six females to support fruit production, unless you grow hermaphroditic types.
If you enjoy evergreens indoors in the winter, the berry-bearing branches make attractive additions to seasonal arrangements, especially when you break a leaf and release its citrusy perfume.
Or, you may try your hand at creating a bonsai specimen.
How to Grow
Japanese skimmia is a slow-growing, mounding shrub that tolerates roadside pollution and full shade, although it may grow leggy in very low light placements.
In their native habitat, skimmia shrubs grow in sun-dappled woodlands with moist soil. These temperate regions have distinct seasons, high summer humidity, and significant rainfall.
Landscapes in Zone 6 to 8 that replicate these conditions will provide the best environment for healthy growth.
Light
Partial shade locations are ideal, such as beneath deciduous trees where the skimmia plants will receive dappled light throughout the day.
In deeper shade, growth tends to become leggy and foliage sparse.
Soil
Skimmia thrives in organically rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of between 5.0 and 7.4.
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to support root development as the shrubs become established.
About an inch of water per week, including rainfall, is usually sufficient.
When established, supplemental water is generally unnecessary unless there is a prolonged drought.
Mulch
Apply a two-inch layer of mulch in spring after the last frost to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
To increase soil fertility over time, choose an organic amendment, like chopped leaves. Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of the stems to prevent rot.
Fertilizer
If the soil is rich in organic matter, additional feeding is generally unnecessary. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to weak, spindly growth.
Container Growing
If you want to grow skimmia in a container, choose a pot that is at least 12 to 16 inches wide and deep, with drainage holes at the bottom.
Unglazed clay or stone containers work well, as they allow for air circulation and help prevent soggy roots.
Use a loose, water-retentive potting mix rich in organic matter. Place the container in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade or consistent dappled light throughout the day.
Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially in warm weather, as containers dry out faster than garden beds.
In colder climates, pots may need protection from deep freezes to avoid root damage. Wrap the container with insulating material or move it to a sheltered location in winter.
Refresh the top few inches of soil each spring and repot every three to four years or when the plant becomes root bound.
Cultivars to Select
Cultivars are widely available in the United Kingdom and are becoming more common in the United States.
In addition to online sources, you may be able purchase shrubs through local specialty nurseries.
Here are several attractive options to consider:
Godrie’s Dwarf
‘Godrie’s Dwarf’ is a compact male cultivar. During the winter months, it forms clusters of white flower buds tinged with green.
As spring approaches, the buds deepen to red-tinged pink before opening into masses of soft pink blossoms.
Plants remain tidy and petite with mature dimensions of 12 to 36 inches tall and wide.
The compact stature is perfect for part-shade borders and patio pots. This cultivar is an excellent pollinator companion to female skimmias.
Reeve’s Skimmia
Unlike the typically dioecious male or female shrubs, dwarf S. japonica subsp. reevesiana, aka Reeve’s skimmia, is a self-fertile hermaphrodite.
It produces abundant white flowers, bold red drupes, and lush green foliage.
Reeve’s Skimmia
Mature dimensions are 18 to 24 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for container gardening or small garden spaces.
Reeve’s skimmia is available from Nature Hills Nursery.
Rubella
‘Rubella’ is a dwarf male cultivar with reddish-green leaves and deep red buds in the fall and winter. Panicles of creamy white flowers grace the branches in spring.
Plants reach about 30 inches tall and wide at maturity, forming a dense, rounded shape well suited to foundations and understory placements.
Maintenance
You won’t have to devote much time to maintaining your skimmia shrubs. However, when you handle the plants be sure to wear gloves to avoid contact with the sap, as it can irritate the skin.
Regular pruning is typically not necessary but if you need to provide some shape, wait until after flowering to make your cuts.
Use clean shears to remove dead or pest-damaged branches at their point of origin and selectively trim any wayward branches that detract from the naturally rounded contours.
As discussed, apply a layer of mulch in the spring to help retain moisture and enrich the soil.
Refresh the mulch in late fall as needed, no deeper than three inches, for winter insulation in colder regions.
In exposed locations, consider wrapping plants in burlap to shield them from harsh winter winds.
Propagation
To propagate, you can take cuttings from existing shrubs or purchase potted specimens from the nursery for transplanting.
From Cuttings
You can take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, when the new growth has begun to mature but is still pliable.
Here’s how:
- Prepare a six-inch container for each cutting and fill it about three-quarters full with a well-draining potting mix.
- Use a pencil or dibber to create a hole about three inches deep in the center of the soil.
- With clean, sharp pruners, take a cutting from the tip of a healthy stem, about six to eight inches long.
- Snip off the bottom leaves to reveal three inches of bare stem.
- Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder.
- Insert the lower part of the stem three inches deep in the soil to cover several leaf nodes. Firm the soil gently around the stem.
- Water thoroughly until it drips from the drainage hole.
- Place the pot in an indoor location with bright, indirect sunlight where it can remain for the winter.
- Maintain even moisture. Use a moisture meter and water before the pot completely dries out.
Transplant to the landscape the following spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Transplanting
To transplant a rooted cutting or nursery shrub, note its depth in the original container.
Prepare the planting site by loosening the soil to a depth equal to that of the container and at least twice as wide.
Conduct a soil test to determine its fertility. Amend with aged organic matter, such as compost or humus, as needed.
Remove the plant from its pot and set it in the hole so that the crown, where the roots and stems meet, sits slightly above ground level.
Tamp the soil firmly to hold the plant upright, then water in well.
Maintain even moisture during the first year. After establishment, shrubs are drought-tolerant.
Pests and Disease
Japanese skimmia is not prone to pests or pathogens.
Pests
If conditions are hot and especially dry, you may encounter aphids, scale, or spider mites.
These sapsucking insects disfigure foliage with their chewing mouthparts, causing foliage to wilt, yellow, or drop prematurely. Severe infestations can lead to stunted growth and reduced vigor.
Use a sharp spray of water from the hose to dislodge and destroy as many pests as possible. Remove and dispose of severely damaged foliage.
Treat affected plants with neem oil. Provide supplemental water during extended periods of prolonged heat or drought to keep plants healthy and less vulnerable to pest pressure.
Disease
While not typically prone to disease problems, root and crown rot may occur in poorly draining soils.
Root rot is caused by water molds like Phytophthora and Pythium, or by fungal pathogens such as Fusarium.
Symptoms include wilting and yellowing foliage, and rotting roots.
Powdery mildew and leaf spot may also appear in damp, humid conditions. Ensure good drainage, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected foliage to limit the spread.
Year-Round Interest
Japanese skimmia is a low-maintenance, water-wise choice for gardeners in Zones 6 to 8.
The texture of the leathery foliage, color of the long-lasting buds and fruits, and fragrant blossom clusters offer year-round interest in-ground or in decorative containers.
Where will you showcase this ornamental evergreen in your outdoor living space? Do you grow S. japonica? Please share your tips in the comments section below!
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