Japanese Skimmia

Skimmia japonica

Native to:
Japan, Kuril Is., Nansei-shoto, Russia, Taiwan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rutaceae
Genus:
Skimmia
Species:
Skimmia japonica
USDA Symbol:
SKJA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
white, cream
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic)
Drainage:
good drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers sheltered, woodland-like conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–180 days
Notes:
Germination can be slow and erratic. Fresh seed germinates best; dried seed may require longer cold stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI