Caring for Skimmia

Skimmia japonica is a low-maintenance evergreen once established, but it does have specific needs. Water moderately throughout the growing season, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but never waterlogged. During dry spells in spring and summer, water deeply once or twice a week. In autumn and winter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient, though container-grown specimens may need occasional watering in sheltered spots. Skimmia dislikes drought, and prolonged dryness will cause leaf drop and poor flowering. Feed in March and April using a slow-release ericaceous fertiliser, which provides the acidic conditions skimmia requires and supplies balanced nutrients for healthy foliage and flower bud development. Scatter the granules around the base according to the packet instructions and water in well. Alternatively, apply a liquid ericaceous feed every four weeks during the growing season. Avoid general-purpose or high-nitrogen fertilisers, which can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Refresh the mulch layer each spring with composted bark, leaf mould, or ericaceous compost to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and maintain soil acidity. Skimmia is fully hardy in zones 6b–9b and requires no special winter protection in temperate Europe, though a sheltered position will protect the foliage from harsh winds. Pests are rarely a problem, but vine weevil larvae can occasionally damage roots in container-grown plants; check for notched leaf edges and treat the compost with a biological control if needed. Skimmia is generally disease-free, though yellowing leaves (chlorosis) indicate alkaline soil or nutrient deficiency—remedy this with ericaceous feed and mulch.