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Skimmia japonica

Image of Skimmia japonica

TL

Family

Rutaceae

Botanical Name

Skimmia japonica

Plant Common Name

Japanese Skimmia

General Description

Pretty, pale pink, fragrant blossoms top the glossy green foliage of the Japanese skimmia in spring, followed by decorative, glossy, cherry red fruits by the start of fall. A shade-loving broadleaf evergreen shrub, it is native to Japan and southeastern China. Mounded in habit, it has dark-green, glossy, lance-shaped leaves concentrated in whorls at branch ends. Crush the foliage and enjoy its scent.

In mid-spring, the tips of branches (bearing small, clustered red-pink flower buds from the previous fall) bloom with fragrant, small, star-shaped flowers that are white with pink undertones. Japanese skimmia is dioecious: plants are either male or female. The female plants, once pollinated, bear lovely clusters of glossy red berries in autumn. The fruits contrast handsomely with the leaves, as do the young, developing flower buds through the winter.

Plant Japanese skimmia in moist, organic-rich, acidic soils in partial shade to full shade, as found under trees. It resents drought and excess heat in summer, and alkaline or sandy soils can quickly lead to nutrient deficiencies. Full winter sun can scald the leaves. To have spectacular fall displays of fruit, make certain to have a male plant near a female plant or plants. Although growing slowly to a medium-sized shrub, it is often seen much shorter, often through pruning or selecting a smaller cultivar. Compact selections include 'Bowles' Dwarf,' 'Fragrans,' or 'Nymans,' and white fruits develop on 'Fructu Albo'.

A wonderful companion to rhododendrons and azaleas, skimmia belongs in a shaded border or woodland garden, or can be used as a nice container specimen.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    2'-5' / 0.6m - 1.5m

  • Width

    3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring

  • Native To

    Southeastern Asia, China, Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Tolerances

    Pollution

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Light Pink

  • Fruit Color

    Red

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No