- In stock
Skimmia Japonica | Rubella
Usually ready in 4 hours
Pickup available, usually ready in 4 hours
Unit E1, 26 Sir Alfred Owen Way
Joe's Plant Place
Caerphilly CF83 3HU
United Kingdom
Plant Description
Description
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’, commonly known as Skimmia ‘Rubella’, is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its glossy dark green foliage and clusters of deep red flower buds that provide colour throughout autumn and winter. The buds gradually open into fragrant creamy-white flowers in spring, making it a fantastic year-round plant for shady borders and containers.
PLANT CARE
Everything you need to know to keep your plant happy and thriving.
LIGHT
Medium Light
WATER
Moderate watering. Keep newly planted Skimmias regularly watered while they establish. Once established, keep the soil reasonably moist during prolonged dry periods. Container-grown plants will need more frequent watering, particularly during warmer weather.
SOIL
Moist but well-draining, slightly acidic soil. For containers, use ericaceous compost. Avoid strongly alkaline or chalky conditions.
REPOT
Container-grown plants can be repotted every 2–3 years in spring. Move up gradually in pot size and use fresh ericaceous compost with good drainage.
HUMIDITY
Medium
DIFFICULTY
Beginner
JOE'S TOP TIP
Skimmia is an excellent choice for those shadier areas of the garden where flowering plants can sometimes struggle. Partial shade is ideal, and protection from strong afternoon sun will help prevent yellowing or scorched foliage. The winter flower buds are part of the display, so don't prune them off in autumn.
COMMON MISTAKE
Planting it in strong, direct sunlight or unsuitable alkaline soil. Skimmias prefer cooler, partially shaded conditions and slightly acidic soil. Too much direct sun can scorch the foliage, while alkaline soil can cause yellowing leaves and poor growth.
WHEN TO COME BACK TO US
Come back in spring if you want: • Advice on feeding • Help choosing companion plants • Container-growing advice • Help choosing a female Skimmia for berries
PLANT FACT
‘Rubella’ is a male Skimmia, so it's grown primarily for its spectacular red winter flower buds and fragrant spring flowers rather than berries. It can also act as a pollinator for compatible female Skimmias planted nearby.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
Cultivar of Skimmia japonica, a species native to Japan and other parts of East Asia