About Skimmia japonica: Japanese Skimmia
Skimmia japonica (Japanese Skimmia) is valued for its compact growth habit and winter interest of red or white berries. The waxy, lance-shaped leaves of this shade-loving evergreen shrub offer a lovely backdrop in any semi-shady garden bed. In spring, they produce clusters of small flowers that later form the berries. Bees adore the fragrant flowers, and the leaves are somewhat aromatic when crushed. Dioecious (separate male/female plants), with male flowers often more showy.
Skimmias are low maintenance, slow-growing and adaptable shrubs perfect for woodland gardens and winter gardens with year-round screening. Minimal pruning preserves natural shape and future blooms. It typically grows 1–1.5 meters (3-5 ft) tall and wide, with a rounded habit. They are also suitable for container gardening.
Pair skimmias with acid-loving plants like ferns, rhododendrons and azaleas, camellias, hellebores or hostas for a cohesive shaded garden.
S. japonica (Japanese Skimmia) is native to the Himalayas and East Asia. Part of the Rutaceae family (related to citrus), Skimmia’s name derives from the Japanese “shikimi”. Prized for ornamental use, it adds year-round beauty to shaded gardens. Their hardiness and reliability make them popular in the Pacific Northwest. Skimmias are also deer resistant, which is plus for our region.
Caution: All parts contain skimmianine, which is toxic if ingested. Berries pose a risk to children and pets, causing nausea or vomiting.
Notable skimmia cultivars include:
- ‘Rubella’: Male compact cultivar with deep red flower buds and glossy deep green leaves
- ‘Fragrans’: Small busy dome shaped male variety with fragrant white flowers
- ‘Veitchii’: Female upright dense plant prized for producing abundant red berries
- ‘Magic Marlot’: Compact with variegated foliage with cream-edged leaves
- ‘Bronze Knight’: Male dense dome shaped shrub with bronze-tinged leaves
This resilient shrub offers aesthetic appeal with minimal care, making it a favourite for gardeners seeking evergreen charm and winter colour. By following these guidelines, your Skimmia japonica will thrive, offering fragrant blooms and vibrant berries with minimal maintenance.
Female and Male Skimmia japonica
Skimmia japonica (Japanese Skimmia) shrubs are either female or male. Both the female and male skimmias have flowers. Males have showier flowers, but only the female skimmia bears berries when pollinated. The bright red berries are not edible and are toxic if ingested. The male plant is required for pollinating the female skimmia plant, which produces the beautiful berries lasting through the winter.
It is best to have one male for about five female skimmia plants in a garden. When purchasing your new skimmia shrub, check the plant tag for whether you are getting a male or female. You don’t want to end up with a hedge of male skimmia plants and no berries to show.
Skimmia japonica (Japanese Skimmia) At A Glance
Location: Partial Shade to Full Shade; tolerates morning sun but may scorch in intense sunlight
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowers / Autumn and Winter Berries
When To Prune: If Required, Trim Spring (see details below)
Size: Varies from 0.5 – 3 meters (1.5 – 10 feet) height and most will equal in spread
Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9 (see cold hardiness zone chart)
Where to Plant and How to Care For Skimmia japonica
Skimmias thrive planted in well-drained, humus-rich, moist, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Add bone meal when planting to help establish the young shrub. Plant in autumn or spring. Use ericaceous compost (acid compost; specially formulated blend) if soil is alkaline to prevent chlorosis.
Thrives in partial to full shade location. Skimmias tolerate morning sun but avoid a location that gets harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist (but not soggy), especially during establishment and dry spells. Avoid waterlogged conditions. If planted in a container, ensure your skimmia does not dry out. Prioritize soil acidity and moisture retention.
It is a hardy plant that tolerates some neglect. But it would benefit from an annual application of a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving shrubs late winter or early spring. Apply organic mulch (bark, compost) to retain moisture, regulate temperature, and maintain soil acidity.
With care, it is possible to move large skimmia shrubs. It is best to make this move in the winter time when it is dormant.
During frigid winters, the foliage can suffer from frost damage, or stems can disfigured with the weight of prolonged snow on it. This is especially true on the west coast where we can experience heavy, wet snow occasionally. Shaking excess heavy snow off the skimmia can help it retain it’s shape and prevent bent stems. Protect from harsh winds in colder climates with burlap or strategic planting.
Skimmias planted in a container need winter protection. Move to a sheltered spot in extreme cold.
Propagation is possible by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in perlite-peat mix. Keep humid until rooted.
Pruning Skimmia japonica (Japanese Skimmia)
The S. japonica (Japanese Skimmia) is a low maintenance shrub that rarely needs pruning. If anything needs to be done would be mostly trimming to keep tidy. It has a natural even growth habit. Avoid heavy pruning; Skimmia regenerates slowly from old wood.
Prune lightly after flowering (late spring) to avoid removing next year’s buds, which form on old wood. Remove spent flower heads, dead or diseased branches, and thin crowded areas.
As a slow-growing shrub, skimmias will be fine for many years, with only an occasional light trim. Remember, any flowering stems that are removed sacrifices berry production on the female skimmia for that season.
RELATED TOPIC: Buyer’s Guide On How To Choose Hand Pruners (Secateurs)
Pests, Diseases and Troubleshooting
Skimmia shrubs are usually trouble-free. Occasionally aphids, scale or spider mites can affect it especially if the shrub is stressed by drought. Treat with horticultural oil .
Root rot may occur in poor drainage; avoid waterlogged conditions.
The skimmia leaves can get scorched from the hot sun, so planting in the right location is essential.
Address chlorosis (yellowing leaves) with iron supplements if needed.
No berries year after year. Ensure male and female proximity for berry production.
Avoid high nitrogen formulas to prioritize blooms over foliage.
Prevent leaf spot and mildew by ensuring good airflow and avoiding overhead watering.
