Japanese Skimmia Skimmia japonica

Water

Japanese Skimmia should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, particularly during dry periods, but take care not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water thoroughly once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water for each plant. During the hot summer months, you may need to water twice a week if the weather is particularly dry. In contrast, during the winter, cut back on watering as the plant will require less. Ensure that the plant has well-draining soil to prevent excess water from accumulating around the roots.

Light

Japanese Skimmia thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions, making it an ideal plant for shaded understorey locations or north-facing gardens. It should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, as too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. It's perfect for a spot that receives dappled light throughout the day or bright indirect light in a more sheltered position.

Temperature

Japanese Skimmia prefers cooler climates and does well in a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F during the day, while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 45°F without harming the plant. It can survive short periods of colder weather down to about 10°F but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can cause damage. The plant should be protected from extreme cold and harsh winds.

Pruning

Prune Japanese Skimmia to shape the plant, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Pruning is not frequently required; however, if needed, it should be done sparingly as the plant grows quite slowly. After flowering, you may also prune to remove spent flower clusters and promote a tidy appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Japanese Skimmia thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with good organic matter content. The ideal soil pH for this evergreen shrub is acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix of peat, pine bark, and coarse sand or perlite can create a suitable growing medium for optimal plant health.

Repotting

Japanese Skimmia does not require frequent repotting; it generally needs repotting every 2 to 3 years. However, younger plants may grow quicker and can benefit from annual repotting to accommodate their developing root systems.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese Skimmia prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different environments. It does best when the relative humidity is around 50% or higher, which is typical for many household conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with cool temps and high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade, sheltered from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  6-8 USDA

Life cycle

Skimmia japonica, commonly known as Japanese skimmia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil, often in partial to full shade. Seedlings emerge with their initial leaves and then develop into juvenile plants with a more established root system and foliage. As they grow, Japanese skimmia enters a vegetative state where it produces evergreen leaves and branches to create a dense, rounded shrub. This shrub reaches sexual maturity in a few years and during spring, produces small, fragrant white or yellowish flowers which are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the plant develops red to black berries, which are dispersed by birds and other animals, thereby initiating the next generation. Over the years, the plant may undergo periods of dormancy in the winter, but it perennially returns to active growth and reproduction in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter

• The most popular method for propagating Skimmia japonica, commonly known as Japanese skimmia, is through semi-ripe cuttings. This is typically done in late summer. To propagate by cuttings, one should select healthy, semi-ripe shoots and cut sections that are about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long. It's important to take cuttings with a "heel", a small part of the older wood at the base of the cutting. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut surface can be treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. These cuttings are then planted in a mixture of peat and perlite or sand, kept under a humidity dome or in a propagator, and placed in indirect light until roots form, which can take several weeks. Careful monitoring of moisture levels is crucial to prevent rotting.