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Xela's Garden

Skimmia

Genus: Skimmia.

Species: Skimmia japonica.

Placed Feb/Mar '10 by Vistabile old pond

inherited from Mother

Common Name: Skimmia
Genus: Skimmia
Species: japonica
Cultivar: 'Rubella'
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Dry
Height: 75cm
Spread: 75cm

There are numerous lovely skimmias, generally from the Himalayas and the Far East, and these form evergreen shrubs of varying heights. Most are dioecious, meaning they have male and female flowers on different plants, and both sexes must be planted to ensure a crop of fruits. 'Rubella' is a compact male variety with attractive red-margined, dark green leaves. The flower buds, which appear in autumn and winter, are a prominent feature of the plant, as are the scented flowers which open in spring. It is perfect for growing in containers and provides good all year round colour. 'Rubella' has been given an Award of Garden Merit (AGM), which is for plants of outstanding excellence.
[Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/8309.shtml ]

Skimmia Japonica - 'Rubella' (Skimmia)
Type Shrub (Multi-stemmed Plant), Evergreen, Ground cover, Flowering
Form Rounded Multi-Stemmed Bush
Size Medium Border Plant (50-180cm height)
Colours Dark pink Flowers (Spring), Dark green Foliage
Care Low/Easy Maintenance
Hardiness Frost hardy
Growth Slow Growing Plant

Skimmia Japonica description:
This medium sized evergreen shrub provides ideal low maintenance evergreen ground cover. Attractive red edged foliage is accompanied by masses of heavily scented red blossom in spring. Ideal for coastal conditions and shaded areas.

Skimmia Japonica cultivation notes:
Preferring a well drained neutral to acidic soil, Skimmia flourishes in partial shade. Prune to shape after flowering.

Plant Strengths: Scented blossom; Provides valuable winter interest; Evergreen foliage for all year round colour and screening; Suitable for container growing; Fruit / berry producing; Tolerates cold exposed locations; Tolerates heavy clay soils; Suitable for planting in full shade.

Design & Plant Use for Skimmia Japonica:
Evergreen plant with attractive foliage for winter interest
Evergreen shrub suitable for planting in a shady location
Ideal flowering shrub for problem clay soils
[Source: http://www.findmeplants.co.uk/plant-skimmia-japonica-0254.aspx ]

Photos of this plant

Reminders for this plant

Due about 12 years ago:

Prune

Prune to shape after flowering.

Due about 11 years ago:

Prune

Prune to shape after flowering.