Japanese skimmia

How to grow Japanese skimmia

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

A shade shrub for acid or neutral soil. On chalk it goes chlorotic and never looks right, so use a container of ericaceous compost instead. Shelter it from cold drying wind.

Pruning

Almost none needed. Remove the spent flower trusses and any straggly shoot after flowering.

Propagation

Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer with bottom heat.

Pests and diseases

Yellowing leaves are usually too much sun or too high a pH rather than a pest. Vine weevil affects container plants.

Value to wildlife

The scented spring flowers attract bees, and berries persist for birds into winter.

Notes

Most skimmias are dioecious: you need a male plant nearby for a female to set berries. 'Rubella' is a male form grown for its red winter flower buds and will never berry, which catches people out regularly. Skimmia japonica subsp. reevesiana is self-fertile and berries on its own.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Skimmia japonica but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Skimmia