Japanese Skimmia Skimmia japonica 'Wakehurst White' (f)
ABOUT
The Skimmia japonica 'Wakehurst White' is a beautiful evergreen shrub that exhibits a dense, rounded growth habit. Its leaves are a deep, glossy green, providing a rich backdrop throughout the year. Adding visual interest, the leaves are arranged in a whorled pattern, spiraling around the stems. This plant is particularly admired for its floral display. Clusters of tiny white blossoms emerge, which are fragrant and have a delicate appearance. The flowers are star-shaped and come together in dome-shaped clusters, creating a visually striking contrast against the dark foliage. Following the blooming period, the female plant can produce berries if a male pollinator is present. The berries are a bright, eye-catching red, and they persist on the plant throughout the winter months, providing interest in the landscape when most other plants have ceased blooming or have died back. Overall, the Skimmia japonica 'Wakehurst White' is valued for its year-round appeal, from the lustrous leaves to the fragrant white flowers and vibrant berries, all contributing to its ornamental charm in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Japanese Skimmia, White Skimmia, Wakehurst White Skimmia
Common names
Skimmia japonica 'Wakehurst White' (f)
ToxicityTo humans
Skimmia japonica, commonly known as Skimmia, contains compounds that are toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant contain saponins, which can cause poisoning in humans. Symptoms of Skimmia poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion of the plant can lead to more serious symptoms like convulsions and coma. Therefore, it is advisable for humans to avoid ingesting any part of the Skimmia plant.
To pets
Skimmia japonica, commonly referred to as Skimmia, is also toxic to pets. Similar to humans, all parts of the Skimmia plant contain harmful saponins. If a pet ingests Skimmia, it might exhibit symptoms of toxicity, including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can result in more critical conditions like tremors or seizures. Pet owners should prevent their animals from consuming any part of the Skimmia plant to avoid these potential health risks.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Skimmia japonica 'Wakehurst White' adds visual interest to gardens with its attractive foliage, white flowers, and red berries.
- Low Maintenance: It is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, making it ideal for understory plantings or north-facing gardens.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, while the berries might attract birds to the garden.
- Evergreen: As an evergreen shrub, it provides year-round color and structure in the landscape.
- Container Gardening: Skimmia japonica 'Wakehurst White' is well-suited to container gardening, making it a versatile option for patios, balconies, and small spaces.
- Deer Resistance: It is relatively resistant to deer, which can benefit gardeners in areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Winter Interest: The plant's berries and foliage offer aesthetic appeal during the winter months, when many other plants are dormant.
- Hardiness: It is a hardy shrub capable of withstanding cold temperatures in many climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Attracting Beneficial Insects: Skimmia japonica 'Wakehurst White' can attract beneficial pollinators like bees to the garden, helping to improve pollination of plants.
- Bird Habitat: The dense foliage can provide shelter for small birds, offering protection from predators and harsh weather.
- Festive Decorations: Skimmia branches can be used in Christmas floral arrangements and wreaths due to their evergreen leaves and ornamental berries.
- Photography Prop: With its attractive white flowers and berries, it can serve as a beautiful backdrop or subject in garden photography.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in groups or as a hedge, it can offer a degree of privacy to a home or garden area.
- Container Planting: Skimmia japonica 'Wakehurst White' can thrive in containers, making it suitable for balconies and patios.
- Cultural Inspiration: The plant can be used in Japanese-themed gardens to add authenticity and stay true to design principles.
- Natural Mulch: Fallen Skimmia leaves can decompose and serve as a natural mulch, providing nutrients to the soil.
- Education and Research: It can be utilized in horticultural studies and courses as a specimen for learning about plant care and propagation.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil on slopes, minimizing erosion and soil loss.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Skimmia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Skimmia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Skimmia plants are often associated with protection due to their evergreen nature, which persists through harsh conditions, symbolizing endurance and shelter.
- Femininity: As 'Wakehurst White' is specifically a female variety, it embodies feminine qualities such as grace and nurturing.
- Peace: The white flowers of 'Wakehurst White' can symbolize tranquility, purity, and peace, bringing a calming presence to a garden.
- Balance: Skimmias are dioecious, needing both male and female plants to produce berries, representing the balance of yin and yang, or the harmony of partnerships.
WaterJapanese Skimmia, including the 'Wakehurst White' variety, prefers consistently moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Aim to water the plant deeply once a week, providing enough water to soak the root zone. During hot or dry spells, you may need to increase watering to twice a week, while in cooler or rainy periods, reduce the frequency. An average guideline is to provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. Adjust your watering schedule based on soil moisture and weather conditions to maintain optimal soil moisture.
LightJapanese Skimmia thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. 'Wakehurst White' should be planted in a spot that receives dappled sunlight or full shade throughout the day, avoiding intense afternoon sun which can scorch its leaves. A location under the canopy of tall trees or on the north side of a building is ideal for this plant. Consistent shade will help maintain the plant's vibrant foliage and support its overall health.
Temperature'Wakehurst White' Japanese Skimmia is hardy and can handle a range of temperatures, but thrives in areas that do not experience extremes. The maximum temperature tolerance is around 90°F, while they can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 10°F. The ideal temperature range for this cultivar would be between 60°F and 80°F, which allows for optimal growth without the stress of excessive heat or chill.
PruningPrune Japanese Skimmia sparingly to maintain its natural shape, removing only dead or diseased wood and any unwanted leggy growth. 'Wakehurst White' typically requires little pruning and is best pruned just after flowering in spring to allow for new growth and flower bud formation for the following year. Thinning out older branches every few years encourages rejuvenation and increased air circulation within the plant, which can promote better health and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Skimmia thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A blend of peat, pine bark, and perlite works well to provide the necessary drainage and acidity.
RepottingJapanese Skimmia typically needs repotting every 2 to 3 years or when it has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Skimmia prefers moderate to high humidity levels, but it can tolerate lower humidity if necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Shelter from harsh sun, plant in acidic, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA
Life cycleSkimmia japonica 'Wakehurst White', also known as Female Japanese Skimmia, begins its life as a seed, which when sown in well-drained soil and exposed to the right conditions, will germinate and sprout. The seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the first set of leaves, and as the plant matures, it develops into a dense, evergreen shrub. During its vegetative stage, the shrub grows slowly, producing glossy, aromatic leaves and establishing a strong root system. In early to mid-spring, the plant enters its reproductive stage, producing small white flowers that are attractive to pollinators and particularly fragrant. If a male pollinator is present nearby, the flowers will be pollinated and subsequently produce red to black, berry-like fruits. The Japanese Skimmia has a perennial life cycle, repeating this process annually and can live for many years with proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Skimmia japonica 'Wakehurst White', commonly known as Wakehurst White skimmia, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in late summer to early fall. To propagate, one should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) length, cutting just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a mix of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least two nodes are buried. The cuttings should be placed in a warm, humid environment out of direct sunlight. Roots typically develop in several weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting out.
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