Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' (19cm pot)

Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ is a handsome evergreen shrub prized for its glossy dark green foliage and clusters of deep red flower buds that provide rich colour throughout autumn and winter. As spring arrives, the buds open into masses of small, beautifully fragrant creamy-white flowers.

Supplied as a substantial plant in a 19cm diameter nursery pot at approximately 50cm tall, ‘Rubella’ is large enough to make an immediate impact in a patio pot, beside a doorway or planted into a shady garden border.

Autumn, Winter & Spring Colour

One of the best things about ‘Rubella’ is its exceptionally long season of interest. Deep red flower buds develop during autumn and remain decorative throughout winter, becoming increasingly prominent before opening into fragrant creamy-white flowers in early spring.

‘Rubella’ is a male cultivar, so it does not produce berries. Its spring flowers can, however, help pollinate compatible female Skimmias growing nearby.

Light & Position

Skimmia ‘Rubella’ thrives in partial shade or light shade and is particularly useful for north-, east- and west-facing gardens where many flowering shrubs struggle.

Avoid prolonged strong midday sunshine, which can cause the foliage to yellow or scorch. A sheltered position is ideal.

Watering

Keep the soil or compost reasonably moist but never waterlogged. Water when the surface begins to dry, then allow excess water to drain away.

Container-grown plants will need more regular checking during warm or windy weather, while established plants growing in the ground are generally more tolerant of short dry periods.

Soil & Planting

Skimmias prefer moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. ‘Rubella’ performs particularly well in neutral to acidic soil, but unlike Rhododendrons and Camellias, Skimmia is not strictly an ericaceous plant.

When growing in a container, use a good-quality multipurpose or shrub compost and make sure the pot has adequate drainage.

Feeding

Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release shrub fertiliser or suitable liquid feed as new growth begins.

Avoid excessive feeding, which can encourage soft growth rather than the naturally compact, bushy habit for which Skimmia is valued.

Pruning & Care

Very little pruning is required. Remove any damaged, crossing or untidy growth after flowering if necessary, but otherwise allow the plant to develop its naturally rounded shape.

There is no need to routinely deadhead the flowers to prolong flowering.

Growing in Containers

‘Rubella’ is particularly well suited to outdoor containers, where its evergreen leaves and red winter buds provide colour when many other patio plants are dormant.

For long-term container growing, move it into a slightly larger pot with good drainage and refresh the compost periodically.

Growing in the Garden

Plant ‘Rubella’ into a shady or partially shaded border where the soil remains moist but drains freely. It works especially well beneath taller shrubs, in woodland-style planting or anywhere you want evergreen structure and winter colour.

It is a slow-growing, hardy shrub that can eventually reach around 1–1.5m in height and spread over many years.

Why You'll Love It

• Deep red flower buds provide colour throughout autumn and winter
• Fragrant creamy-white flowers in early spring
• Glossy evergreen foliage for year-round structure
• Excellent for shady and partially shaded positions
• Ideal for pots, patios and garden borders
• Useful male pollinator for compatible female Skimmias
• Slow growing and low maintenance
• RHS Award of Garden Merit

Pet & Child Safety

Skimmia should not be eaten. We recommend keeping the plant out of reach of pets and young children if they are likely to chew foliage, and wearing gloves if you have sensitive skin when pruning or handling damaged plant material.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’
Common Name: Japanese Skimmia
Family: Rutaceae
Sex: Male cultivar
Nursery Pot Size: 19cm diameter
Approximate Height: Around 50cm
Flower Buds: Deep red
Flowers: Fragrant creamy-white
Foliage: Evergreen
Growth Habit: Compact / bushy / rounded
Position: Partial shade to shade
Hardiness: Hardy throughout most of the UK

Please note: As this is a living plant, the exact height, width, number of flower buds and overall shape will naturally vary. Decorative pots shown in photos are not included. This plant is supplied in a plastic nursery pot.