How to Grow and Care for Japanese skimmia

Japanese skimmia, also known as Japanese laurel, Japonica

Japanese skimmia requires moderate attention to thrive but is largely considered easy to care for. The plant needs well-drained, rich acidic soil and part shade to full shade exposure to maintain its vibrant foliage. A special care point for japanese skimmia is to ensure it is protected from strong winds and provided with consistent moisture without waterlogging. Pruning is not generally required, except to remove dead or damaged branches, simplifying maintenance.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Japanese skimmia

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Partial sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	5-6
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	6-7

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Varieties of Japanese skimmia

Japanese skimmia 'Temptation'

Japanese skimmia 'Temptation' got its name because it produces abundant and tempting clusters of bright red berries in much greater numbers than the parent plant. This evergreen shrub is also popular for its aromatic white flowers, which bloom in spring. You'll often see this plant used as a border plant in ornamental gardens.

Japanese skimmia 'Perosa'

Japanese skimmia 'Perosa' is a compact evergreen shrub, featuring lush, leathery leaves that create a dense foliage backdrop. Its cluster of fragrant white flowers emerges in spring, occasionally followed by red berries if both male and female plants are present. Thriving in partially shaded areas, japanese skimmia 'Perosa' is admired for its hardy nature and year-round visual interest.

Japanese skimmia 'Fragrans'

Japanese skimmia 'Fragrans', also known as 'Fragrant cloud' due to its white inflorescence and distinct fragrance, grows as a small evergreen bush, forming a a low dome. The leaves are dark-green, obovate, and up to 10 cm long. During the winter, the plant sports vivid, lime-green, tightly packed buds. Both the leaves and the flower clusters are fragrant.

Japanese skimmia 'Nymans'

Japanese skimmia 'Nymans' is a female, berry-bearing cultivar of Japanese skimmia. This evergreen flowering shrub has glossy green and cream leaves, and if fertilized by a male cultivar will produce clusters of bright red, decorative berries. It can be allowed to grow as a bush or shrub to fill in space, or kept small as a bonsai.

Japanese skimmia 'Kew White'

Japanese skimmia 'Kew White' is a female skimmia variant with tiny white berries which give it its name. 'Kew' comes from the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew - the place where it was first cultivated. It produces fragrant white flowers as well. This small variant reaches a maximum height of 1.5 m and is therefore very versatile in pots and gardens of any size.

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More General Info About Japanese skimmia

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Japanese skimmia is an evergreen shrub with a dense, mounded habit, typically reaching 2 to 7 feet (60 cm to 2.1 m) in height and up to 5 feet (1.5 m) in width. It features leathery, dark green leaves that are elliptical with entire to slightly crenate margins, and a lighter, yellow-green underside. These leaves are notably fragrant and clustered at the tips of branches. In spring, it produces fragrant, creamy white flowers arranged in rounded panicles at the branch ends. Following flowering, female plants bear red drupes that persist into winter, offering visual interest.