Skimmia Japonica Rubella - Evergreen Shrub

Skimmias are very easy to look after, and rarely need much in the way of care and attention once established.

Water plants well in the first year or so, while they are establishing. Thereafter, plants in the ground may need watering during prolonged periods of very dry weather, or more often if the soil is very light and very well-drained.

Feed every spring with a balanced granular plant food. Those suitable for camellias and rhododendrons are a good choice, especially in alkaline soils.

Mulch around plants in spring with a 5-7.5cm (2-3in) thick layer of organic matter, such as compost, composted bark or well-rotted manure. Make sure the mulch is kept clear of the base of the stems. Plants rarely need any pruning, but if needed this should be carried out in spring after flowering has finished. Remove unwanted stems, cutting back well inside the leaf canopy to hide the cut ends. Pruning will prevent female varieties from producing berries the following winter.

Flowering season(s) Spring

Foliage season(s): Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Sunlight: Full shade, Partial shade

Soil type: Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil pH: Slightly acid loving/ericaceous

Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained

Ultimate height: Up to 1.2m (4ft)

Ultimate spread: Up to 1.2m (4ft)

Time to ultimate height: 5-7 years