Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' Care Guide
Congratulations — you are now the proud owner of a Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'
With its glossy, dark green leaves and jewel-like red buds, Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' is an elegant evergreen shrub that brings colour and interest to the garden all year round. From autumn onwards, its deep crimson buds cluster at the shoot tips, opening in spring to loose heads of sweetly honey-scented white flowers — a quiet delight for a shaded corner of the garden.
When your plant arrives
Remove the packaging carefully and give your shrub a little time to settle. Choose its position before you move it, as skimmias dislike being shifted around once they are happy. A little drooping or mild stress after travelling is normal, and your plant should soon perk up with a steady routine.
Light
Choose a position in partial or full shade, such as a north-facing border, a shaded courtyard, or a spot beneath deciduous trees. Skimmias are among the few shrubs that truly thrive in shade, where many plants struggle. A little gentle morning sun is fine, but avoid strong midday sunshine, which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Skimmias like evenly moist, well-drained soil and dislike both drought and waterlogging.
- Water thoroughly when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry, especially in warm weather.
- Container-grown plants need regular watering in spring and summer, as pots dry out quickly.
- Water less in autumn and winter, when growth naturally slows and the soil stays moist for longer.
- Avoid letting the pot sit in water, as this can damage the roots.
Temperature and positioning
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' is fully hardy in the UK and will happily stay outdoors all year round. A sheltered position away from cold, drying winds will keep the foliage looking its best, and its evergreen leaves provide welcome structure through the winter months. If grown in a pot, raise the container onto feet in winter so excess rainwater can drain away freely.
Feeding
Feed in spring with an ericaceous fertiliser, which suits skimmias' preference for neutral to slightly acidic soil. A light feed is all that is needed, as overfeeding can cause weak growth. No feeding is necessary during autumn and winter.
Pruning
The 'Rubella' has a naturally neat, rounded habit and needs very little pruning. Simply remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in spring, after the flowers have faded. If the shrub becomes too large for its space, trim it back lightly, but avoid hard pruning, as skimmias respond best to gentle shaping.
If it's in a pot
The 'Rubella' is a lovely container plant for a shaded patio or doorway. Choose a pot with good drainage holes that is only slightly larger than its current one, and use a free-draining, slightly acidic compost such as ericaceous mix. Keep an eye on watering in summer, as pots dry out quickly, and top up with fresh compost each spring.
Repotting
Repot in spring, every two to three years or when roots begin to appear at the drainage holes. Move the shrub into a pot only slightly larger than before, tease out the outer roots gently, and refresh the compost each time. Skimmias are happy when slightly snug, so there is no need to rush into a much larger pot.
A little help if things go wrong
Yellowing leaves: this is often a sign the soil is too alkaline or the roots are waterlogged. Use an ericaceous feed and make sure excess water can drain away.
Scorched leaf edges: usually caused by too much direct sun or dry roots. Move the plant to a shadier position and check the watering routine.
Fewer flowers or buds: skimmias flower best when settled and slightly snug, so avoid repotting too often and keep feeding light.
Drooping leaves: check the soil and the position. Both drought and waterlogging can cause temporary drooping, so adjust gradually.
Enjoy your skimmia
Give your Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' a shaded spot, consistent moisture, and slightly acidic soil, and it will reward you with glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant spring flowers, and months of rich colour from its crimson buds.