Skimmia japonica Male
Best robust plants for reliable garden establishment.
More fragrant than the female skimmia and not quite as wide, but needed to produce fall and winter berries on the female plant. Gardeners often buy a male skimmia only to ensure that their female skimmias develop berries in the fall and winter. However, the male Japanese skimmia is just as attractive an evergreen shrub as the female with its narrow lance-shaped leaves, though it may not spread quite as wide. The flowers on the male skimmia are usually more fragrant than the blooms on the female plants, emerging as reddish pink buds that open to white. Skimmias prefer filtered shade and need regular watering to look their best.
$22.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.4
/ 5
Category Rank
2243
/ 2688
#2243 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-44%
Below average
Common Name
Skimmia japonica (Male)
/ Skimmia japonica (Male)
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking year-round structure and early season fragrance in shaded areas.
- Homeowners desiring Skimmia berries for their garden's visual appeal.
- Busy individuals or beginners wanting a resilient, attractive shrub for shade.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners prioritizing the vibrant, long-lasting berry display of female Skimmia.
- Gardeners with limited space or desiring self-fruiting ornamental shrubs.
- Gardeners with predominantly sunny gardens or needing full sun plants.
Key Specs
Common Name
Skimmia japonica (Male)
Plant Type
Evergreen
Mature Height
3.5 feet
Mature Spread
4 feet
Growth Rate
Slow
Cold Hardiness
-10°
Light
Full Shade, Morning Sun, Afternoon Shade
Foliage Color
Green
Features
- Fragrant flowers
- Attracts pollinators
- Container friendly
- Evergreen foliage
- Slow growth rate
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and health of the plants received. Many reviewers highlight the robust condition and vibrant appearance upon delivery, noting the careful packaging that ensures safe arrival. The plants are frequently described as strong and well established, leading to successful planting and reliable growth in various garden settings. This consistent high standard in plant quality and the ease with which they thrive after planting are recurring positive themes, contributing to high satisfaction among gardeners seeking dependable additions to their outdoor spaces.
Know before you buy
Yes, if you want your female Skimmia to produce its signature red berries in the fall and winter, you need a male plant nearby for pollination. Without the male, the female plant will bloom but will not develop fruit.
Absolutely. Because of its slow growth rate and compact size, Skimmia japonica thrives in containers, making it an excellent choice for patios or shaded balconies.
This shrub performs best in filtered shade, such as full shade or spots that receive only gentle morning sun. It is important to protect it from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.
This plant is hardy down to -10°F. It is a reliable evergreen that maintains its foliage through the winter, provided it is kept in a sheltered spot.
You can expect this plant to reach a mature height of about 3.5 feet with a spread of 4 feet. Its slow growth rate makes it very easy to manage in smaller garden spaces.
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Ready to buy?
$22