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Skimmia japonica ‘ Rubella'[SKIM - ee - uh juh - PON - ih - kuh ] is a compact flowering evergreen shrub which make red fruits and belongs to the Rutaceae family .
This shrubby coinage gets its name from its spot of introduction i.e. , Japan .
The plant is also natively find in China and Southeast Asia .
Skimmia is characterize by its compact shrub - same foliage impenetrable branches with unproblematic redolent leave .
The dark - green foliage of this plant looks even prettier when white flower or yellowish blossom grow during its bloom meter .
The shrub are widely cultivated as decorative plant and used in parks and forest gardens alongside other flowering plants .
There ’s a similar variation called Skimmia reevesiana with ivory - white Charles Edward Berry , deadening growing growth habit , ego - fat flower bud , likes part shade , and produces leaden red berries .
You may also get wind this plant by its common name Japanese skimmia .
Skimmia Japonica Care
Size & Growth
Skimmia japonicais a heavyset dome - shaped bush - similar flora .
It ’s a variable species with wide-eyed leaves , dense branches , and grows up to 22′ foot tall .
When cultivated for decorative purpose , the industrial plant typically produce up to 5′ feet .
This evergreen industrial plant has alternate average viridity to dark green leaves herd at the end of a stem .
Each leaf can develop up to 2.5″ – 5″ inches in duration .
The leaves have a slight scent , leathery grain and are obovate to elliptic .
Skimmia has a slow growing rate and has a bed cover anywhere between 4′ – 5′ foot in diameter .
distaff plants may have an even wider spread .
Flowering and Fragrance
Skimmia japonica has clear-cut florescence .
During outflow , the flora sprouts large clustering of showy star - shaped fragrant bloom .
The flowers appear on the tips of the branches in creamy white , yellow or slenderly tinct with pinkish .
It ’s further made beautiful with the appearance of lustrous bright red berries .
Male flowers are fragrant and slimly expectant .
Female flowers bear attractive red berries .
Berries mature in the twilight and persist through the cold-blooded winter months .
The efflorescence flower in rounded panicle 2″ – 3″ inch long at the branch gratuity in mid - give .
When plant against the background of snow , these appear very gay with the red berries stark against the green foliation .
The berry are poisonous .
If ingested in heavy quantities , the berries can cause stomach issue and other spartan problem .
In very rarified cases , the berries have led to cardiac arrest and other severe implications .
So make certain female plants are not in reach of nipper .
Light & Temperature
Skimmia is relatively well-off to turn in restrained temperature .
They rise in hardiness geographical zone 7 to 8 . ( USDA Zone ) .
Performs well in both partial shade to full subtlety locations .
In temperate mood , the flora can put up full Dominicus .
However , you need to see the soil is keep damp , but the foliage can still be sear .
Watering and Feeding
Skimmia has intermediate lachrymation need .
It does well in moist filth , so make trusted to water it regularly while avoiding drowning the roots in too much water .
Overwatering can cause etymon rot and be harmful to the works ’s wellness .
Feeding depends on the wellness of the leafage .
If the leaves on the flora are green , lush , and healthy , detain fecundation .
However , if you notice the leafage fading in color and stunted growth , alimentation is required .
Regardless , the best time to feed the plant life is during late wintertime or other spring .
Soil & Transplanting
Japanese skimmia prefers more or less acidulous soil with a pH of 5.6 to 6.0 .
Moderately fertile stain , rich in humus , and well - drained works extremely well .
When transplanting the shrub to its lasting location choose somewhere not disclose to the full sun .
Skimmia have manful and distaff plants . If you want the distaff shrub to produce berries , set a male Skimmia nearby .
Grooming and Maintenance
One of the beautiful benefits of Skimmia is it has a very groovy growing habit .
It grows in a dome shape and rarely take trim .
Prune and cut back the bush during the wintertime months when the plant is dormant .
During the holidays bring a few sprig of the plant indoors as decorations .
How to Propagate Japanese skimmia
Skimmia japonica is propagate through semi - hardwood cuttings .
However , it is not uncommon for it to take longer to root .
Skimmia Pest or Disease Problems
Skimmia is mostly disease and blighter - free .
However , keep an middle out for wanderer mites , horse chestnut scale , and wine weevil .
As for disease , it may be affect byPhytophthora .
Suggested Uses for Skimmia
Mostly , Skimmia japonica is used as ornamental plants and planted in flower border and layer .
Since they are low maintenance , they ’re also commonly used in public car park and courtyards .
In China and Japan , it ’s used by hobbyists for bonsai .
These plant make outstanding companion plants :
