Skimmia 'Pabella' Skimmia japonica 'Pabella' (PBR) (f)

Water

Japanese Skimmia requires consistent moisture, especially during its active growing season in spring and summer. It's best to water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which roughly translates to about 0.6 gallons for an average-sized shrub; however, this may vary depending on soil conditions and climate. Always check the top few inches of soil for dryness before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot. In the winter months, reduce watering frequency, ensuring the soil does not completely dry out, but remains only slightly moist.

Light

Japanese Skimmia thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions away from direct afternoon sunlight. An ideal spot for this plant would be under the dappled light of taller trees or on the north side of buildings where it can receive filtered sunlight. Too much sun can scorch the leaves, while too little can reduce the vigor of the plant.

Temperature

Japanese Skimmia is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures; however, it prefers cooler climates. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 5°F but is most comfortable when the thermometer reads between 60°F and 75°F. Extreme heat can be damaging, so during hot spells, providing shade can help in maintaining the health of the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Japanese Skimmia is mainly to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. It's best to prune this shrub just after its flowering period in late spring to early summer to prevent cutting off next year's buds. Pruning can be done annually or biennially, depending on the plant's growth and your aesthetic preference.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Skimmia, commonly known as Japanese skimmia, thrives best in a well-draining, rich in organic matter soil mix, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 5.5 to 7.0. A good blend would be equal parts loam, peat moss, and pine bark fines. This ensures both appropriate drainage and adequate moisture retention for the roots.

Repotting

Japanese skimmia plants generally do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. They should be repotted every 3-4 years to refresh the soil and to prevent them from becoming pot-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese skimmia prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-60%. This plant benefits from a consistent, non-fluctuating humidity environment that mimics its natural woodland habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light, and maintain humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh sun and wind.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Skimmia japonica 'Pabella', commonly known as Japanese skimmia, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination in suitable soil and environmental conditions, emerges as a seedling. As it grows, the plant enters a vegetative stage where it develops a foliage of dense, leathery, dark green leaves and a sturdy stem structure. Once mature, the Japanese skimmia reaches the flowering stage, typically in early to mid-spring, producing clusters of fragrant, white to pinkish flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, female plants like 'Pabella' develop red to blackberries if male plants are nearby to provide pollen. The plant continues to exist in a reproductive mature phase, with yearly cycles of flowering and berry production, for many years as an evergreen shrub. Over time, the Japanese skimmia may enter a senescent phase, where growth slows and it eventually dies, completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• Skimmia japonica 'Pabellón', commonly known as Skimmia, is most commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer. To propagate by cuttings, you would select a healthy, semi-ripe shoot and cut a piece around 4 to 6 inches long, ensuring a few leaves remain on the cutting. The lower end of the cutting, where the leaves were removed, is often dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Afterwards, the cutting is planted in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or coarse sand, ensuring that the pot provides adequate drainage to prevent root rot. The pot should then be placed in a sheltered area with indirect sunlight and after a few weeks to months, roots will form and the new Skimmia plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.