Japanese skimmia

Japanese skimmia pairs perfectly with classic heather in the fall, or with conifers and Christmas roses in the winter. Japanese skimmia is actually a small shrub that can overwinter in the country's mildest climates (planting zone 1 and sometimes 2), but most people see it as an annual seasonal plant during the fall and winter. The plant's leathery, shiny leaves, combined with the flower buds and berries, make it a real delight for the eye. The flower buds, or berries if the variety has berries, remain on the plant all winter. In its natural state, Japanese skimmia blooms in the spring. Japanese skimmia is dioecious, meaning only female plants bear fruit, and only if they have been pollinated by a male plant.

Japanese skimmia 'Rubella' is the most common variety, with pink-red flower buds that last throughout the winter.

Japanese skimmia 'Finchy' is a greenish-white flowering Japanese skimmia, with flower buds that last the entire season from fall to spring.

Japanese skimmia 'Temtaption' differs from the above varieties as it has bright red, glossy berries. The plant blooms with white flowers in clusters in the spring and then produces berries in late fall, when it is typically available to buy in stores.

Japanese skimmia is both low-maintenance and evergreen, but most varieties are not very hardy. Only in plant hardiness zone 1, sometimes also in zone 2, can it survive if planted in the ground. The bush grows to be about a meter high and nearly as wide. If you want to try overwintering wintergreen in a pot, it's important that the pot is well-insulated to withstand the cold. Most people use Japanese skimmia in outdoor pots during the winter months, and then switch them out for something else when spring arrives.

Placement
The plant thrives best in partial shade to shade. It can also do well in sunny locations, as long as it is protected from the strongest sunlight and the soil is kept consistently moist. The leaves will turn yellow if Japanese skimmia is exposed to too much direct sun.

Potting
It's recommended to replant Japanese skimmia in a larger pot than the one you bought it in, so it has more space and can conserve water better. This increases the chances of the plant surviving the entire winter.

Soil
Japanese skimmia is an acid-loving plant that thrives in low pH soil. If you're planning to replace the plant when winter turns to spring, you don't need to worry much about the acidity of the soil. But if you want to try to overwinter the plant, you should use rhododendron or hydrangea soil.

Fertilizer
The plant should be fertilized with acid-loving fertilizer or fertilizer without lime. Again, this is most important if you plan to overwinter the plant. You don't need to fertilize Japanese skimmia if it's only going to be standing over the autumn and winter.

Watering
Water regularly and try to keep the soil consistently moist, but remember that it doesn't need as much water when it's cold outside. Japanese skimmia can tolerate drying out slightly between waterings in the winter.

Japanese skimmia are often used in floral arrangements and bouquets during the winter months. They are beautiful both on their own and paired with other flowers and leaves. For example, it is very nice to create a winter bouquet by combining winter berries with eucalyptus, roses, amaryllis, and white hellebores. Winter berries are also a nice touch if you are making your own door wreath, table decoration, or garland for the winter holidays.