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Skimmia
We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 2 most-saved Skimmia varieties
Browse all 3 Skimmia varieties →
Track your Skimmia in Sow
Save the Skimmia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Skimmia
Whats common across all Skimmia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Skimmia year
- MulchOctober and November100% of varieties
Apply a layer of acidic mulch like pine straw or compost.
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Prune lightly after flowering only to maintain shape; avoid heavy pruning.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply an acid-loving fertilizer in early spring.
- Check for PestsJune–August67% of varieties
Monitor leaf undersides for spider mites and scale insects during dry summer periods.
Do
- Plant in acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- Protect from harsh winter sun and wind to prevent leaf scorch.
- Plant both male and female varieties for berry production.
- Do plant in dappled or afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Avoid
- Do not plant in alkaline (high pH) soil, which causes yellow leaves.
- Avoid planting in full sun, which will scorch the foliage.
- Don't let the soil dry out completely.
- Avoid heavy pruning, as it flowers on old wood.
What goes wrong with Skimmia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Insects | Small, hard bumps on stems and leaves; sticky honeydew leading to sooty mold. | Scrub off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. Systemic insecticides can be used for heavy infestations. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; stippled, yellowing foliage. | Spray forcefully with water to dislodge them; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Miticides are a chemical option. |
| Aphids | Distorted new growth and sticky honeydew deposits on leaves. | Knock them off with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippled, yellowing foliage. | Increase local humidity and spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, and plant decline, even with moist soil. | Caused by poorly drained soil. Prevention is key. Ensure good drainage at planting. There is no chemical cure for infected plants. |
| Phytophthora root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves and decaying, mushy roots in waterlogged soil. | Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant in raised beds if necessary. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on leaf surfaces under stagnant air conditions. | Space plants to improve air circulation and prune surrounding dense canopy. |
Making more Skimmia
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in mid-summer from the current season's growth.
- Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Insert into a mix of peat and perlite.
- Keep moist and in a humid environment.
- Cuttings should root in 8-10 weeks.
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood stem cuttings in mid to late summer.
- Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone powder.
- Insert cuttings into a moist, well-draining propagation mix.
- Keep in a humid, shaded environment until roots establish.
Skimmia questions
How many types of Skimmia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Skimmia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 4 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Skimmia grow in?
Across its varieties, Skimmia covers USDA Zones 6–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Skimmia bloom?
Most Skimmia varieties bloom in mid-spring, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Skimmia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.