Scientific name: Skimmia japonica
Family: RUTACEAE
Common names: “skimmia”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 7-9
Light: partial shade – turns yellow (chlorotic) if grown in a too sunny spot
Soil: Acidic humus rich fertile soil
Moisture: moist, well drained, can handle minor drought when mature
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 2′-6′ W 2′-6′
Leaf and Stem shape: Aromatic leathery leaves
Flower: White or yellowish flowers followed, most have male and female flowers on separate plants but they can be hermaphroditic, blooms in spring
Pruning: None required unless for DDD, crowding or shaping
Maintenance: Low maintenance
Landscape use: Woodland plant, excellent for container gardens, if berries are desired plant 1 male for every 7 females
Propagate: By hardwood cuttings in autumn
Pests & Disease: Fungal disease rhizoctonia, citrus red mites, stippled leaves, scale insects & spider mites
*Deer resistant
Comments: Male flowers tend to be more fragrant, attracts humming birds!
Cultivars:
Skimmia japonica subspecies reevesiana – hermaphroditic and compact 2’H 2-3′ W
S. j. ‘kew green’ – has pale cream berries
S. j. ‘rubella’ ‘rubidor’ – male forms with dark red flowers
S. j. ‘rubella’ (m), ‘Nymans’ & ‘fragrans’: ~AGM winners
Vancouver Island Grows 