Skimmia spp.

skimmia

Rutaceae

Himalayas, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia

Attracts Pollinators Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 6–8

Overview

Skimmia spp. is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the rue family, native to East Asia, with about four species. Plants form dense, rounded mounds 1.5-6 feet (0.5-1.8 m) tall and wide, growing slowly. Leaves are alternate, often clustered toward the branch tips, oval to lance-shaped, 2.5-5 inches (6-13 cm) long, leathery, and dark green, releasing an aromatic scent when crushed. Most species are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants; dense terminal clusters of small fragrant cream to pink flowers open in spring from red buds that show through winter. Female plants bear clusters of round red berries 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm) across that persist from fall into spring. The berries and foliage contain alkaloids and are toxic if eaten. Because most species are dioecious, both a male and a female plant are needed for berries. Growth is slow, and leaves yellow in full sun or alkaline soil.

Native Range

Skimmia spp. species are native to the woodlands and mountain slopes of the Himalayas, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. They grow in moist, humus-rich, acidic soils in the shade of forests, from foothills to montane elevations.

Suggested Uses

Grown in shaded borders, woodland gardens, foundation plantings, and containers, spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart, with male and female plants grouped for berries. The need for acidic soil and shade leaves it poorly suited to hot, sunny, or alkaline sites. The berries and foliage are toxic if eaten.

How to Identify

Recognized by dense mounds of leathery, aromatic dark green leaves clustered toward the branch tips, and by terminal clusters of small cream to pink flowers opening from red buds held through winter. Female plants carry round red berries 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm) across into spring. The aromatic foliage and red berry clusters separate it from cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and other broadleaf evergreens.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 6'

Width/Spread2' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Red flower buds form in fall and hold through winter, opening into clusters of small fragrant cream to pink flowers in spring, mainly March through May. Flowering lasts three to five weeks. On female plants, pollinated flowers develop into red berries that ripen in fall.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

cream to pink

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

slow; 5-10 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Skimmia spp. grows in part to full shade in moist, acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil and develops yellow, scorched leaves in full sun or alkaline ground. It is hardy in USDA zones 6-8, with foliage damaged by cold, dry wind and hard freezes. Established plants need steady moisture and decline in dry soil. Most species need both a male and a female plant for berries. Spider mites and scale can occur in dry or stagnant conditions. Growth is slow, so plants stay compact for years.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed because of the slow, naturally rounded growth. Light shaping is done after flowering, and overlong shoots can be cut back to a leaf cluster. Removing frost-damaged growth in spring keeps the mound dense.