Family: Rutaceae
Author: Thunb.
Bibliography: Nov. Gen. Pl.: 58 (1783)
Year: 1783
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Skimmia
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Russian Far East, Japan to Taiwan
Description
Skimmia, originating from the Rutaceae family, is a captivating genus most prominently represented by Skimmia japonica. This plant traces its roots back to the late 18th century, with its formal identification and naming credited to the esteemed botanist Thunberg in his 1783 documentation, “Novitiae Florae Japonicae”.
Native to diverse and expansive regions, Skimmia thrives from the southern Russian Far East, through Japan, and southward to Taiwan. This geographic range contributes to its adaptability and durability in various environmental conditions.
Description and Characteristics
Skimmia japonica is an evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, rounded structure and glossy, dark green leaves. These leaves are not only aesthetically appealing but also aromatic, emitting a pleasant scent when crushed. The shrub produces small, star-shaped flowers, which can vary in color from creamy white to vibrant pink, blooming in clusters during the spring. In the autumn, the flowers give way to bright red berries that persist through winter, offering a striking contrast to the foliage and providing visual interest in colder months.
Cultivation and Care
Skimmia is relatively easy to grow, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, yet ornamental plants. It prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. While it can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, it typically thrives best in dappled sunlight where it gets some protection from the intense midday rays.
Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, but caution should be taken to avoid waterlogging the soil. Applying mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Additionally, Skimmia benefits from an annual feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage robust growth and abundant berry production.
Uses and Environmental Impact
Beyond its ornamental value, Skimmia plays a significant role in supporting local ecosystems. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden. The berries, although mildly toxic to humans if ingested, are a food source for birds, further enhancing the plant’s ecological benefits.
In landscape design, Skimmia is a versatile plant that can be used for borders, ground covers, or as a focal point in garden beds. It is also suitable for container gardening, allowing urban dwellers to enjoy its beauty on balconies and patios.
Conclusion
With its lush foliage, attractive blooms, and vibrant berries, Skimmia japonica is an exceptional choice for gardeners looking to add year-round interest and ecological value to their spaces. Its storied history and resilience in diverse climates further underscore its appeal, ensuring it remains a cherished plant in gardens worldwide.
Common Names
Swe: vinterbär
En: Skimmia, Japanese Skimmia
Zh: 日本茵芋
Cs: Skimie japonská
Fr: Skimmia du Japon
Fa: اسکیمیا ژاپنی
Sk: Skimia japonská
Sv: Vinterbär
Zh-tw: 香茵芋
: Japanese skimmia
Synonyms
Distribution
- Japan (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Taiwan (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 21, 2022 by Landschaftsgärtner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 8, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Decobert Didier (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 11, 2018 by Niven Pyandee (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 20, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 26, 2019 by Jasmin Jasmin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 15, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 8, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 15, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 15, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 31, 2020 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 14, 2019 by Colette Dorion (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 11, 2021 by Schweizer Philipp (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 27, 2019 by henkie (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 1, 2021 by Marlu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Adrien BODY (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Klaus Schmeer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2020 by Laurent FABRIZY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ingrid Archen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2022 by Jean Marie Munck (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7740617)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:775237-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Skimmia japonica Thunb.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub