What hardiness zones is Skimmia japonica suitable for?

Skimmia japonica is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Skimmia japonica?

Skimmia japonica requires Part Shade.

How much water does Skimmia japonica need?

Skimmia japonica has Medium water needs.

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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Skimmia japonica

Japanese skimmia

RutaceaeJapan, China, and southeastern Asia

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitMounding

FoliageEvergreen

Height3-5 feet (90-150 cm)

Width3-5 feet (90-150 cm)

Maturity10 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Fragrant (moderate)

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

A slow-growing, dome-shaped evergreen shrub reaching 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) tall and 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) wide at maturity. Leaves are leathery, oblanceolate, 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long, glossy dark green, and aromatic when crushed. The species is dioecious: male plants produce dense terminal panicles of reddish-pink flower buds in fall that persist through winter and open to fragrant, creamy-white flowers in April and May. Female plants produce glossy red drupes, approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter, that persist from fall through winter when a male plant is within pollination range. Growth rate is slow; plants add 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) per year and reach mature size in 8-10 years. Foliage may develop yellow chlorosis in alkaline soils above pH 7.0. Plants exposed to full afternoon sun, particularly in warmer zones, develop leaf scorch and faded foliage color. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

Native Range

Native to Japan, China, and southeastern Asia. Found in the understory of temperate and subtropical forests at elevations from 1,000 to 5,000 feet (300-1,500 m) in humus-rich, acidic soils.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and foundation plantings at 3-4 foot (90-120 cm) spacing. Frequently paired in groups of male and female plants for winter berry display. Grows in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) in acidic potting mix; container plants require consistent moisture and protection from afternoon sun.

How to Identify

Identified by glossy, leathery, oblanceolate leaves arranged in dense whorls at branch tips, forming rosette-like clusters. Male plants bear conspicuous reddish-pink flower buds at stem terminals from fall through winter. Female plants display persistent glossy red berries, 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter, in fall and winter when pollinated. Crushed leaves release a pungent, somewhat citrus-like aroma.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'

Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Flower buds form in September and October, remaining ornamental through winter. Buds open to creamy-white fragrant flowers in April through May. Individual flowers last 7-10 days; total bloom period extends 3-4 weeks. Berries on female plants ripen in September and persist through February.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Creamy white; buds reddish-pink

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green, leathery, oblanceolate, aromatic when crushed

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

Requires 2-4 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 Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loampeat

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

8-10 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish the root system; once established, supplemental water is needed only during dry periods exceeding 2 weeks. Requires acidic soil with pH 5.0-6.5; chlorosis develops in alkaline conditions and may be corrected with sulfur amendments or chelated iron. Apply 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of acidic organic mulch (pine bark or conifer needles) annually to maintain soil acidity and moisture. Site in partial to full shade; plants in full sun, especially afternoon sun, develop leaf scorch. Both male and female plants are needed for berry production; one male can pollinate up to six females within 30-50 feet (9-15 m). Scale insects and spider mites may occur in dry, sheltered locations.

Pruning

Minimal pruning required due to slow growth rate. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late spring after flowering. Light shaping can be done after bloom to maintain a compact form. Avoid heavy pruning; plants recover slowly and may take 2-3 years to fill in gaps.

Pruning Schedule

late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans