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About this product
Skimmia japonica
Japanese skimmia is a slow‑growing, shade‑loving, broadleaf evergreen shrub valued for multi‑season interest: aromatic dark green foliage, clusters of scented creamy‑white flowers in spring, and (on female plants) glossy red berries that persist into winter. Many named cultivars offer differing bud colours, variegation and habit, but all prefer moist, humus‑rich, acidic soils and shady positions.
Key Features:
- Evergreen with aromatic leaves and fragrant spring flowers.
- Dioecious — some cultivars are male (no berries) while female plants can produce red berries if pollinated.
- Excellent for shaded borders, woodland gardens and containers.
Care Tips:
- Position: Partial to full shade; protect from strong sun and drying winds.
- Soil: Moist, well‑drained, acidic to neutral humus soil; use ericaceous compost for containers.
- Watering: Keep evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.
Plant Details
| Mature Height | 1.0–1.5m |
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| Mature Spread | 1.0–1.5m |
| Hardiness | RHS H5 (−15°C to −10°C). |
Growing Guide
| Pruning & Feeding | Requires minimal pruning, but can be lightly trimmed after spring flowering to maintain shape. Feed in spring with a balanced granular fertiliser or ericaceous plant food, and apply an organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture. |
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Growing & care
- Plant type
- shrub
- Position & light
- Shade· Sheltered
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained
- Mature size
- 1.5m high· 1.5m wide
- Flowering
- White· Cream· Multicolour
- Foliage
- evergreen
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