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Skimmia japonica
Japanese skimmia
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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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
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-pinkFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, leathery, oblanceolate, aromatic when crushedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons