Overview
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' is a compact, rounded, slow-growing, tidy shrub in the genus Skimmia, part of the Rutaceae family, with evergreen, glossy, dark green, leathery leaves foliage. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens and containers. It is native to Japan.
About
Skimmia japonica, the Japanese skimmia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae. Native to Japan, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Philippines, and the Russian Far East, it is commonly grown in parks and gardens for its evergreen leaves, fragrant flowers, and attractive fruit.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Skimmia japonica
About the genus
Skimmia is a genus of four species of evergreen dioecious shrubs and small trees in the rue family Rutaceae, all native to warm temperate regions of Asia. The leaves are clustered at the ends of the shoots, simple, lanceolate, 6–21 cm long and 2–5 cm broad, with a smooth margin. The flowers are in dense panicle clusters, each flower small, 6–15 mm diameter, with 4–7 petals.
Wikipedia contributors, "Skimmia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Skimmia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Skimmia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Compact, Rounded, Slow-growing, Tidy
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Glossy, Dark green, Leathery leaves
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Woodland gardens, Containers
- Native to
- Japan
- Fragrance
- Fragrant flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial to full shade; avoid harsh afternoon sun. Requires moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots.
- Pruning
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged wood.
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by seed; cuttings preferred for cultivar propagation.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'?
Prefers partial to full shade; avoid harsh afternoon sun. Requires moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'?
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' need?
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'?
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged wood.
How big does Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' grow?
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' hardy in the UK?
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by seed; cuttings preferred for cultivar propagation.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.