Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'
Japanese skimmia (male)
- Position: partial to full shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: April to May
- Flower colour: pink
- Other features: male plant
- Hardiness: fully hardy
These are really lovely, healthy plants, which are laden with buds. They come in a 5lt pot and are currenlty around 60cm (24") wide and 60cm (24") tall (45cm tall after planting), so they really make an immediate impact - and will look like a very impressive (and expensive) gift. This is a compact male shrub with red-margined, deep green leaves. The dark red flower buds, which are produced in autumn, last throughout the winter before the flowers open in spring. They are great for adding colour to a drab winter garden, and will look equally good in a pot or in the shrub border. - Garden care: Lightly trim after flowering, if necessary. To improve the moisture retention qualities of the soil add plenty of well-rotted compost when planting.
