Skimmia rubella is a plant that is native to China and Japan. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow to be about 3-4 feet tall. The plant has dark green leaves and produces small, white flowers in the spring. The plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Related plant:
Skimmia Reevesiana
Related plant:
Japanese Skimmia
About soil condition, Skimmia Rubella prefers acidic soil that is rich in organic matter and well-drained. Although it is tolerant of moderate shade, it will produce more flowers and fruits if given some sun.
Similar to other skimmias, skimmia rubella requires full sun to partial shade in order to flourish. Without at least four hours of direct sunlight each day, this plant will not produce the lovely, dense clusters of white flowers for which it is so admired.
The temperature condition that is most favorable for skimmia rubella is warm temperatures. This plant does not tolerate frost and is sensitive to cold drafts. It prefers to grow in humid environments and is often found in greenhouses or near water sources.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. They are adapted to living in areas with high humidity, so they will often do well in rooms with poor ventilation. If the air is too dry, the leaves may turn brown and drop off.
About fertilizer, this type of plant need acidic fertilizer in order to maintain its healthy growth. For instance, you can use Miracid fertilizer during the growing season. When it comes to watering, skimmia rubella is quite drought tolerant once it becomes established. However, during the establishment phase, it is important to keep the root ball moist. Just make sure that the soil is not soggy.
Pruning skimmia rubella is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and thin out any overcrowded areas. Cut back the main stems by about one-third to encourage new growth.
Propagation of skimmia rubella is best achieved through rooting of semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer. The cuttings should be taken from young, non-flowering shoots and be around 10-15cm in length. Cuttings should be made just below a leaf node and the bottom leaves removed. The cuttings can then be inserted into a well-drained propagating mix and placed in a humid environment with indirect light. Keep the mix moist but not wet and in around 6-8 weeks the cuttings should have rooted. Once rooted, the skimmia can be transplanted into its desired location in the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate studies have shown that this species has a relatively slow growth rate. In a study done in the United Kingdom, the average growth rate was found to be approximately 0.5 meters per year. However, this study also found that the growth rate can vary significantly depending on the particular plant and growing conditions.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and drop off, the plant may not flower, and the berries may not be produced. These problems are usually caused by incorrect watering, poor drainage, or too much sunlight.
Source:
Rubella (German Measles) - University of California, San Diego
Rubella in Children - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester ...
Rubella | CIDRAP
