Skimmia, also known as Japanese skimmia, is an evergreen shrub that is native to Asia. It is a popular plant to grow in gardens because of its dense foliage and fragrant flowers. Skimmia can be difficult to grow, but with proper care it can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Is it easy to grow Skimmia plant? Because this type of plant is easy to grow and take care of, it is a good choice for beginner gardeners. Additionally, it is also drought tolerant, which makes it a low-maintenance plant.
How big can it be? So, the maximum height of a skimmia plant is 1.5 cm. Skimmia plants are mostly found in the wild in the mountainous and hilly regions of Europe and Asia.
How fast is the growth? Sometimes, the young plant grows slowly. However, in the future, the plant can increase by several centimeters per year. This is due to the rapid growth of the plant in the wild.
| Plant Form | Bush |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Origin | Southeast Asia, Japan |
How long is the lifespan? Unless you're referring to a particular species, it's hard to give an exact answer. Skimmia are generally long-lived plants, with some specimens known to be over 100 years old. They are slow-growing, so it can take many years for them to reach their full size.
What is the ideal temperature? Since it is native to Asia, the plant prefers warm weather. However, in the summer, the plant should be in a room with a temperature no higher than 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because high heat and humidity can damage the plant. In winter, the temperature should not be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This is to prevent the plant from getting too cold and dying.
What about the humidity? Since it comes from a tropical region, the Skimmia plant prefers high humidity. It is best to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. If the air is too dry, the leaves may start to drop.
What amount of light this plant needed? The Skimmia prefers partial shade and does not like bright, directional light. It does best in an east- or north-facing window.
What is good soil for Skimmia? The reason that skimmia prefers humus-rich soil is that in nature it grows under the shade of trees, where the top layer of soil is constantly updated with fallen leaves. If there is no possibility to create such conditions, then when planting it is necessary to add a layer of fallen leaves to the planting hole. You can also use a mixture of equal parts of humus, sod land and coarse sand, in which case the plant will feel quite comfortable.
How much I must water Skimmia? The plant is native to China, and is a member of the rue family. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and moist to wet soil conditions. The plant does not tolerate drought well. The plant grows to be about 3-6 feet tall. The plant has small, white flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant's fruits are small, red berries that ripen in the fall.
About fertilizer. Since it is a slow-growing plant, during growth, fertilizer is applied every month. It is good to apply organic fertilizers, alternating them with mineral fertilizers. For example, you can use cow manure and chicken manure alternately with mineral fertilizers. Also, when the plant is in the flowering period, it is necessary to add more phosphorus to the soil.
How to reproduce Skimmia? Sometimes, the easiest way to propagate a plant is through cuttings. Skimmia can be propagated by taking upper cuttings in summer or autumn when the soil temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The cuttings should be 6-8 centimeters long, and the lower pair of leaves should be removed. The cutting should then be processed with a rootstock. To encourage rooting, cover the stalk with a film. You can also spread the seeds that need to be stratified and planted in separate pots to a depth of 1.5 centimeters. The germination temperature should be at least 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pH of the mixture of peat and soil should be 5-5.5. A month later, a complex fertilizer should be introduced. Once the seedlings have grown, they can be transplanted into larger pots.
Why Skimmia won't bloom? The plant is dioecious. Flowering usually occurs in March-April or in summer. Only adult plants bloom. From the flowers are formed berries, which gradually blush.
How much I must water Skimmia? If the plant is in a pot, you need to transplant it in the spring, choosing a new pot that is 2-3 cm larger than the previous one. Be careful not to damage the roots when transplanting. After that, the plant can be planted in the garden.
How to care the plant? known that this ornamental shrub is unpretentious in the care, but for the full growth and development of the plant need to create certain conditions. It is best to plant skimming in the spring in a shady place in the garden. For proper growth and development, the plant needs to be pruned and damaged shoots removed in a timely manner. It is also desirable to take the plant out into the street in the summer. Most often, skimmia is grown as a garden crop, but it can be grown in a pot only for a short time. Otherwise, the plant needs to be provided with a cool wintering.
What is the challenge when caring Skimmia plant? The reason for the yellowing of the leaves may be several: mealybugs, scutes, spider mites, natural aging of the plant. Also, the leaves can dry out and turn yellow as a result of sunburn. If the leaves are yellowish-green, it is a lack of light or nutrients, in particular, magnesium and iron. And, finally, the plant can be infected with fungi.
Are Skimmia poisonous? Although the skimmia plant is beautiful and may produce small white flowers, it is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested. All parts of the plant are toxic, but the berries are especially dangerous. Symptoms of skimmia poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the poison can cause seizures, coma, and even death. If you suspect that someone has ingested skimmia, call poison control or go to the emergency room immediately.
