Skimmia Japonica Rubella

Skimmia Japonica Rubella is a popular ornamental plant that is native to Japan and China. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and 1 meter wide. It is highly valued for its attractive foliage, beautiful flowers, and bright red berries that appear in winter.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Sapindales
Family	Rutaceae
Genus	Skimmia

Appearance

Skimmia Japonica Rubella has dark green glossy leaves that are leathery and lance-shaped, measuring about 7-15 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. It has a compact growth habit and produces clusters of small fragrant flowers that are pinkish-white in color and bloom in late winter or early spring. The flowers give way to bright red berries that remain on the plant for several months, providing a source of winter interest.

Care Guide

Skimmia Japonica Rubella is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:

• Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during the summer months. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in spring and again in summer with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to leaf burn.
• Soil: Skimmia Japonica Rubella prefers well-drained, acidic soil. If your soil is alkaline, amend it with peat moss or other organic materials to lower the pH.
• Sunlight: Skimmia Japonica Rubella prefers partial shade to full shade. Avoid planting it in direct sunlight, as this can cause leaf burn.
• Hardiness Zones: Skimmia Japonica Rubella is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Skimmia Japonica Rubella is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to the following:

• Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and a sticky residue on the plant. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
• Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.

Habitat

Skimmia Japonica Rubella is native to Japan and China and grows in mountainous regions with well-drained soil. It prefers shady areas and can be found growing under trees or in forest understories. It is commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Skimmia Japonica Rubella be grown in a container?

A: Yes, Skimmia Japonica Rubella can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots and the soil is well-drained.

Q: How often should I prune my Skimmia Japonica Rubella?

A: Skimmia Japonica Rubella does not require frequent pruning, but you can prune it lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and size.

Q: Can Skimmia Japonica Rubella be used as a hedge?

A: Yes, Skimmia Japonica Rubella can be used as a low hedge or border plant, as it has a compact growth habit and responds well to pruning.

Q: How can I propagate Skimmia Japonica Rubella?

A: Skimmia Japonica Rubella can be propagated by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early fall. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area until they have rooted.

Related Plants

• Skimmia Japonica ‘Rubinetta’
• Skimmia Japonica ‘Fragrans’
• Skimmia Japonica ‘Veitchii’
• Skimmia Japonica ‘Foremanii’

References

• “Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d410.
• “Skimmia Japonica.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10951/skimmia-japonica/details.
• “Skimmia Japonica.” Gardening Know How. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/skimmia/skimmia-japonica.htm.