Japanese Skimmia
skimmia japonica
Also known as: ["Japanese Skimmia","Skimmia"]
Overview
An evergreen shrub native to Japan, valued for its glossy foliage and fragrant white flowers, followed by bright red berries on female plants.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Skimmia |
| Botanical Name: | Skimmia japonica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Well-draining to slightly moist; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Acidic, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter; ericaceous (acid-loving) compost is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; 3–4 hours of morning sunlight or dappled light is ideal; protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn; place in a sheltered spot outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; provide dappled light; protect from harsh afternoon rays.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; ensure good drainage; avoid letting the plant dry out completely.
Soil
moist, well-draining, acidic to neutral soil
pH: Acidic (pH 5.0–6.0).
Use ericaceous soil; ensure good drainage; maintain slightly moist conditions.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, every 2 months in fall and winter
Fertilize in spring before new growth; use a balanced formula; reduce feeding in fall and winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or layering; seeds can be used but take longer to germinate.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity with a propagator or plastic cover.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of individual stems; thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage flowering; minimal pruning is needed as Skimmia japonica is slow-growing.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or damaged wood; shape the plant; avoid cutting into old wood.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; Skimmia japonica prefers slightly root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add peat moss, pine bark, or compost to improve acidity and drainage; ensure good aeration for root health.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, or wilting in extreme heat or cold; buds may fail to develop in unfavorable conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; growth may slow or stop; buds may not develop properly.
Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth; move indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C); ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; flowers may fail to set.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; ensure consistent watering to prevent drought stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSkimmia japonica berries can be mildly toxic to cats if ingested, leading to gastrointestinal irritation and other mild symptoms. The plant's irritant compounds affect the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Skimmia japonica can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if consumed. The plant contains irritants that may lead to digestive discomfort and other mild symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSkimmia japonica contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms if ingested in significant quantities. The berries are the most toxic part of the plant, containing irritant substances that affect the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Skimmia japonica toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Skimmia japonica require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade and can tolerate shade.
Q: How do I encourage berries on my Skimmia japonica?
A: Ensure you have a female plant and a male pollinator nearby for successful berry production.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
