Skimmia japonica

• BOTANICAL NAME: Skimmia japonica
• PRONUNCIATION: SKIM-i-a ja-PON-i-ka
• COMMON NAME: Japanese Skimmia
• FAMILY: Rutaceae
• NATIVITY: Japan
• GROWTH HABIT: Dense mounding shrub, round to dome-shaped.
• SIZE: 3-4'
• HARDINESS: Zones 7-8
• CULTURE: Part sun or shade; rich, moist, slightly acidic soils.
• LANDSCAPE USE:  Mixed shrub plantings; effective in containers. Dirr says appearance is of "dainty proportions."
• FOLIAGE: Alternate (may appear whorled at branch ends), elliptic-oblong, entire, 2/12" - 5" long.  New growth is bright green, matures to dark green above and pale green below.  Visible glands.  Fragrant when crushed.
• BUDS: Small red, imbricate scales, 1/16 - 1/8" long.
• BARK: Green tinged with purple-red; fragrant when bruised.
• FLOWERS: Small 1/3" flowers on upright panicles, dark red opening to cream-white in early spring.  Attractive peduncles/pedicels are purple-red and glossy. Dioecious; male plants have slightly larger flowers.
• FRUIT:  Red, round, 1/3" drupes.
• PROPAGATION: Seed and cuttings.
• PESTS: Mites.
• CULTIVARS: