Japanese Skimmia

(Skimmia japonica)

Japanese Skimmia (Skimmia japonica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Skimmia japonica, commonly known as Japanese skimmia, is an evergreen shrub native to the understory of woodlands and forest margins in Japan and Taiwan. It typically grows to a height and width of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters), forming a dense, rounded shape with glossy, leathery leaves that are aromatic when crushed. The plant produces clusters of fragrant, cream-yellow or white flowers in the spring, which are quite showy and attract pollinators. Female plants, if a male pollinator is present, bear small, round, red berries that persist into winter, adding ornamental interest.

Japanese skimmia is valued for its shade tolerance, fragrant flowers, and attractive berries, making it a popular choice for shaded garden areas, woodland plantings, and as a foundation plant. It is also used in container gardening and can be trained as bonsai. This shrub prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil and benefits from mulching to maintain soil moisture. It requires little maintenance once established but may suffer from pests like scale insects or fungal diseases such as leaf spot. Japanese skimmia is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness but should be planted with care to avoid overcrowding.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-4 feet
  • Width: 4-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Cream, Yellow, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to the understory of woodlands and forest margins in Japan and Taiwan

Other Names

Common Names: Vinterbär

Scientific Names: , Skimmia japonica, Skimmia japonica var. japonica, Skimmia rogersii,

GBIF Accepted Name: Skimmia japonica Thunb.