Skimmia is an evergreen shrub of the Rutov family. His homeland is Southeast Asia, Japan.
It is a relatively low shrub, 1 meter tall, with a crown like a dome, the foliage is dense, elongated, like a laurel, with a slight glossy shine. The color of the foliage is dominated by dark green on top and light green on the reverse side, sometimes with a red-brown edging along the edge, the largest specimens reach 20 cm in length, small ones - 5 cm.
On the seamy side of the skimmy leaf are special aromatic glands, which, when rubbed and touched, begin to exude a pleasant aroma. It blooms with small flowers, collected in dense brushes or panicles, has a sweetish pleasant smell. The fruit is a red drupe with one stone.
This plant has a decorative appearance throughout the season. It begins to bloom in early spring, bears fruit by the beginning of autumn, at this time, berries of a rich scarlet appear on it, which may not fall off throughout the winter. Often the plant is decorated at the same time with flower buds, blossoming flowers and last year's not fallen berries.
Skimmia care at home
Location and lighting
Skimmia likes abundant bright light, but rather diffuse rays. Direct lighting causes burns on the thin leaves of the plant. It also tolerates partial shade quite well, although with a lack of light it can stretch out strongly and lose leaves.
Temperature
In the summer, skimmia does not tolerate heat and intense heat. Prefers fresh air, if possible, then in summer it is better to place it outdoors. In winter, it feels good in a slightly cool place with a temperature regime of no higher than 10 degrees.
Air humidity
Skimmia perfectly transfers dry indoor air and does not need additional air humidification.
Watering
In the active phase of flowering, in spring and summer, skimmia needs a constantly moist soil. In winter, during dormancy, watering should be reduced, especially if the plant is kept in a cool room.
The soil
Planting skimmia is carried out in acidic, humus-rich soil with good drainage. In no case should you add chalk and lime. The substrate can also be made from loam and peat with a small addition of sand.
Top dressing and fertilizers
From late March to mid-September, skimmia is fertilized quite often, up to 3 times a month, with special dressings for flowering indoor plants.
Transfer
It is best to transplant skimmia in the spring, with a pot that matches the size of the plant. It is very important to take care of good drainage for the plant.
Reproduction of skimmia
Skimmia propagates by seeds and cuttings. Before planting, the seeds are treated with a low temperature and planted in a mixture of peat and sand with neutral acidity, pH 5-5.5. The planted pots are stored in a fairly cool room.
Cuttings can be rooted during the dormant period from August to February.Before planting, the cut must be treated with a growth stimulant and planted in the sand. Rooted cuttings are kept at a temperature of 18-22 degrees.
Diseases and pests
If skimmia grows in the garden, then aphids, spider mites and scale insects are dangerous for it. It can also be affected by powdery mildew or grape powdery mildew.
Types and varieties of skimmy with photos and names
Japanese skimmia
A dioecious shrub, reaching a height of 1 meter. In order for the plant to begin bearing fruit, the male and female species are placed side by side. The flowers of the male and female individuals begin to bloom in March-April, in appearance they resemble small stars. In the fall, shiny red fruits are already formed.
The most popular varieties of Japanese skimmia are:
- "Rubella" - with purple leaves, dark red buds and white male flowers and bright yellow anthers.
- "Foremani" - this variety refers to a female hybrid that bears fruit in bright large bunches.
- "Magic Merlot" - the plant has variegated thin leaves with numerous yellow stripes. Forms bronze buds and beige flowers.
- "Fructo Alba" - bears fruit with white berries.
- "Fragrens" - during flowering flowers exude a delicate aroma of lilies of the valley.
- "Smits Spider" - in spring it forms buds of a soft green color, which bloom with flowers with a shade of mango fruit.
- "Brokoks Rocket" - blooms with large round inflorescences of green flowers.
Skimmia Reeves
A dwarf tree with a fairly compact crown. Self-pollinated species. It blooms with whitish flowers of both sexes, during the flowering period the plant is very fragrant. By autumn, raspberry oval berries are formed.
