Skimmia Japonica 'Rubella' - 17cm

Add year-round colour and structure to your garden with the beautifully compact Skimmia Japonica ‘Rubella’. This evergreen shrub is prized for its deep green, glossy foliage and striking red flower buds, which develop in autumn and last through winter before opening into delicate white, fragrant flowers in spring.

Planting:
Skimmia Japonica ‘Rubella’ prefers a position in partial to full shade, sheltered from strong winds and direct midday sun. Plant in acidic or ericaceous soil, either in the ground or in a container using ericaceous compost. When planting, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and at the same depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish the roots.

Plant Care:
Water regularly during the first growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, Skimmia is relatively low maintenance and only requires watering during prolonged dry periods. Apply a mulch of bark or leaf mould in spring to retain moisture and maintain soil acidity. Feeding with an ericaceous fertiliser in spring will support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Pruning is rarely needed — simply remove any dead or damaged growth after flowering.