Skimmia japonica Luwian = 'Wanto'
Japanese skimmia
Also known as Skimmia japonica 'Wanto'
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1.5m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Winter, Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a fairly compact form that has neat dark green leaves with a smooth appearance, ending in a neat tip. It produces very large domed heads of buds which appear in autumn. These are coloured in white and red, held on red-brown stalks. As the winter progresses the buds become as warm, slightly dusky shade of red and present a striking appearance since they can be produced in such freedom they largely smother the plant. These remain a feature well into spring. This is an excellent form for a group or mass planting where it should provide warm colour for months. This form is said to do better in acid soils. Note: This is a male variety which means it has flowers but no berries.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1.5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Winter, Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Shady court
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Planting
Prune lightly after flowering
Give the plant a light haircut, generally tidying it up and removing any shoots that are wayward or damaged in any way. Dead flowers can be cut off if this is practical - the shrub may have too many, or they may be hard to reach.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.
Found in
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