Japanese skimmia is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub that will thrive in a shady spot.
Dark green, glossy leaves decorate this slow-growing,shade-loving shrubyear-round.
Japanese skimmia is available in labeled male and female cultivars.
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Both have spring flowers, but the male cultivars tend to have larger, more fragrant flowers.
Female plants produce red berries in the fall when a male plant is present.
The bright red berries usually remain on the plant through winter.
Credit:Janet Loughrey
The berries of Japanese skimmia shrubs are toxic to humans.
It does not tolerate wet or boggy soil.
Japanese skimmia grows well inlarge containers.
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Female Japanese skimmia plants will not bear fruit either unless a male plant is nearby for pollination.
Plant scientists recommend planting at least one male plant for every six female plants for a good fruit set.
How and When to Plant Japanese Skimmia
Plant Japanese skimmia in early spring or fall.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
To plant Japanese skimmia, dig a hole a couple of inches wider than the rootball.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill it with native soil.
It thrives in thedappled sunlightof an overhead canopy and grows well in deep shade too.
Credit: Bob Stefko
It tolerates up to six hours of morning sunlight a day.
It does not grow well in locations with prolonged afternoon sun exposure.
Intense afternoon sunlight and heat will scorch Japanese skimmia foliage.
Soil and Water
Well-drained, acidic soil that isrich in organic matteris best for Japanese skimmia.
Avoid planting locations with boggy soil orsites with slow-draining clay.
Aim to provide new plants with about 1/2-inch of water per week.
Prevent soil moisture evaporation by spreading a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch over the root zone.
Established plants tolerate dry spells with ease.
To prevent damage from drying winter winds, erect a burlap barrier around the plant.
The shrub thrives in a dry climate.
Fertilizer
Japanese skimmia does not require fertilization.
These resourceful plants obtain the nutrients needed for good growth from the native soil.
Pruning
Prune Japanese skimmia as needed in early spring.
These slow-growing plants rarely require pruning.
Prune to remove broken and damaged branches.
Prune away diseased branches, making the pruning cut well below the diseased portion of the plant.
Potting and Repotting
Japanese skimmia shrubs areexcellent container plants.
Choose a dwarf cultivar or, for a larger variety, use a container on wheels.
Plant the shrub in a pot at the same level the plant was in its nursery container.
Use rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic potting soil.
These shrubs are slow-growing and are unlikely to need repotting for years.
When they do, select a slightly larger container and fill it with fresh potting medium.
Pests and Problems
No serious pests or problems affect Japanese skimmia.
In arid environments, spider mites can be a problem; they disfigure the foliage.
Wash them off with a blast of water or treat them with insecticidal soap orneem oil.
Occasionally,scale and aphidsare troublesome.
Remove the foliage from the lower half of the cutting.
Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone and insert it into moist, slightly acidic potting media.
Water cuttings regularly and keep them in a frost-free location over the winter.
Other cultivars top out at 5 to 7 feet tall and are medium-sized shrubs.
‘Bronze Knight’
Skimmia japonicaBronze Knight has foliage that turns bronze in winter.
This shrub has dark red flower buds that open to dense white flowers.
It is a male cultivar that doesnt produce berries.
It grows about 3 feet tall and wide.
It produces berries when planted with a male cultivar.
Expect it to have fragrant white flowers.
Its flower buds appear red before opening to white flowers.
Each form features a specific petal arrangement and number of petals.
This early bloomer grows best in partial shade and produces clusters of flowers in late winter or early spring.
Zone 3-10
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two possible reasons.
Japanese skimmia can overwinter in an unheated garage or shed if necessary, but it grows best outdoors.
Water plants regularly to maintain moist soil.
Prune Japanese skimmia in early spring and whenever broken or diseased branches are noticed.
This slow-growing shrub rarely requires pruning.
“Skimmia japonica.”
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
