The genus skimmia consists of cultivars and species of small trees or evergreen shrubs. These evergreens create blooms, and are a member of the Rutaceae family. These pinkish or white blooms and red berries stand out against the deep-green foliage. Skimmia offers year round colour to your own garden and landscape.

Types of Skimmia Shrubs

You’ll find many species of skimmia shrubs. However, Japanese skimmia (Skimmia japonica) and Chinese skimmia (Skimmia reevesiana) are the two most easily accessible skimmia species. Japanese skimmia grows from 2 and 5 feet tall in U.S. Department of Agricultural plant-hardiness zones 6 to 9. Skimmia that is Chinese reaches heights between 2 and 4-feet .

Planting

Skimmias develop best in areas with shade with acidic, well-drained soil. A do-it-yourself soil screening package can provide you with the soil’s pH level, which ought to be 6.5 or reduce. To lower the pH level, use sulfur in accordance with test results. Dig a hole using a garden shovel when the pH level is corrected. The hole should be about twice the dimension of the skimmia’s root ball. Incorporate several inches of mulch to the soil that is initial and established the root ball in the hole covering it using the soil.

Care and Upkeep

Skimmia needs — soil that is moist — not soggy. The foliage, blooms and berries can experience in the event the skimmia doesn’t obtain sufficient water. Ensure a week that skimmia crops obtain at least 2″ of water. Water the ever-green through the day. This decreases the possibility of potential fungus development and allows the foliage dry before the sun falls. Throughout the spring, before new growth appears, use a water soluble, well-balanced fertilizer to the skimmia. The skimmia using a pair of pruning shears to keep the shrub in the specified shape, or to remove diseased or dead stems.

Pests, Diseases and Issues

Skimmias are vulnerable to issues and different pests including red mites, leafhoppers, aphids and horsechestnut scale. Aphids cause leaves to become twisted and distorted, and will stunt the development of the shrub. Leafhoppers will transmit plant diseases that are devastating to the skimmia shrub, and cause the leaves to brown and die. Red mites direct to wilted, yellowing and premature leaf. Scales stems and appear as tiny bumps on the leaves. Each one of these pests could be managed with horticultural oil or insecticidal sprays.