Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' - male
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ Family: Rutaceaa
(SKIM-ee-ah jah-PON-ih-kah)

Common name: Japanese skimmia
Zone: 7 – 9
Height: 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5 m) Spread: 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5 cm)
Aspect: partial shade; full shade
Soil: humus-rich; well-draining
Water: moderate

Description: A slow-growing, evergreen shrub with a dense, dome-shaped growth habit. Glossy, bright green leaves are broad with smooth edges. Panicles of deep-red flower buds appear in winter, opening in spring into showy clusters of highly fragrant, white flowers with yellow anthers.

Special Notes: Native to Japan. This is a male cultivar. No female ‘Rubella’ plants. This male can still be used to pollinate other female skimmia plants. Can be pruned to shape once flowering is finished in spring. Reasonably drought tolerant once established. Propagation by softwood cuttings in summer.

Caution: Leaves are toxic if ingested in large quantities.

RHS Award of Garden Merit 1993