Maintenance Landscaping Design

Skimmia is a genus of 8 species of flowering plants in the rue family, Rutaceae. They are native to eastern Asia, from the Himalayas east to Japan. The leaves are evergreen, and the flowers are borne in panicles in spring. The fruit is a drupe.

Alternative name

• skimmia japonica
  
• skimmia anquetilia
  
• skimmia arborea
  
• skimmia laurina
  
• skimmia obtusa

Basic info

• Skimmia is an evergreen shrub.
  
• It has dark green leaves and white or pink flowers.
  
• Skimmia is native to Asia.
  
• It is often used as a hedge or as an ornamental plant.
  
• Skimmia can be susceptible to various fungal diseases.
  
• It is also attractive to various pests, such as scale insects and aphids.
  
• Skimmia can be difficult to propagate from cuttings.
  
• It is generally a low-maintenance plant.
  
• Skimmia typically doesn't require much pruning.
  
• It can be sensitive to cold temperatures and should be protected from frost.

Related plant:
Skimmia Reevesiana

Planting Process

1. For skimmia, first step is to find a good location. It should be in an area that receives partial sun to full shade.
   
2. Prepare the planting area by clearing away any debris and loosening the soil.
   
3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the skimmia’s root ball.
   
4. Set the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Gently tamp down the soil to remove any air pockets.
   
5. Water the skimmia deeply immediately after planting.
   
6. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, being sure to keep it away from the stem.
   
7. Water the skimmia regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
   
8. Fertilize the plant in early spring using a slow-release fertilizer.
   
9. Prune the skimmia as needed to maintain its desired shape.
   
10. Enjoy the beautiful fragrance of your skimmia plant!

Related plant:
Skimmia Japonica

The Soil

About soil , Skimmia prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is on the acidic side. If the soil is too alkaline, the plant will not thrive. Skimmia will also do well in shady areas where the soil is moist but not soggy.

About light

Like the other evergreens, skimmia can suffer from sunburn during the hottest months if they're not given some relief from the afternoon sun. They'll usually need some afternoon shade in USDA hardiness zones 7 and 8. In fact, too much sun can cause the leaves to turn yellow. If your skimmia is getting too much sun, move it to a shadier spot.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for skimmia is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This range of temperature allows the plant to thrive and produce the most blooms. Skimmia prefers a cooler climate and does not do well in warmer weather. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves of the skimmia will begin to turn brown and drop off.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60%. The plant can tolerate lower humidity but this will cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this plant prefers rich, organic soil with good drainage. A root bound plant will have fewer flowers. If you have trouble getting your skimmia to flower, try adding some organic matter to the soil or moving the plant to a sunnier location.

Light requirement

Pruning Skimmia is a necessary part of maintaining this attractive evergreen shrub. Without proper pruning, the shrub can become leggy and unruly. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Next, cut back any long, straggly branches to encourage new growth. Finally, shape the plant by pruning back side branches to create a more compact shape.

About Propagating

Propagation is by seed or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. Seed should be sown on the surface of a moist well-drained seed compost in a propagator at a temperature of 18-21C. Cover the seed with a thin layer of vermiculite. If seed is sown in spring, it will usually germinate the following spring. Germination can be erratic and may take several months. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm pots.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 6 and 12 inches (15 and 30 cm) per year. However, some varieties may only grow 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) in a year. The Evergreen skimmia (Skimmia japonica) is a popular choice for hedges and Foundation plantings. It has a growth rate of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are aphids, mites, and scale insects. These pests can cause the leaves to yellow and the plant to become stunted. If you see any of these pests on your skimmia plant, you should treat it with an insecticide.

Tips on Growing

• Make sure to plant skimmia in an area with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
  
• Skimmia prefers acidic soil, so if your soil is neutral or alkaline, you may need to amend it with sulfur or other products.
  
• Skimmia can tolerate some drought, but it will perform best if it is watered regularly.
  
• Fertilize skimmia once or twice a year with an acid-based fertilizer.
  
• To encourage blooming, make sure to prune skimmia back after it flowers.
  
• Skimmia can be susceptible to scale insects and other pests. Inspect your plants regularly and treat them accordingly.
  
• Skimmia can also be affected by powdery mildew. Keep an eye out for this fungal disease and treat it if necessary.
  
• Skimmia plants are generally very hardy, but they can be susceptible to root

Similar Plants

• Skimmia anquetilia
  
• Skimmia arborea
  
• Skimmia japonica
  
• Skimmia laureola
  
• Skimmia lauriana
  
• Skimmia leschenaultiana
  
• Skimmia longifolia
  
• Skimmia mariana
  
• Skimmia matsumurae
  
• Skimmia oligantha

Source:
Species: Skimmia japonica - Cornell University
Xiamen University Malaysia Campus
CaliforniaColleges.edu