Skimmia 'Rubesta Optima'
Also known as Skimmia japonica 'Rubesta Optima'
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1.2m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The plant has good-sized, roughly cone-shaped heads of bright orange-red flower buds which remain a feature all winter. They open into white flowers in spring. The leaves are neat, smooth and green. This shrub provides good winter interest, both in a container and planted as groundcover. Hint: Most skimmias are either male or female. Both have flowers but only the females have berries. It is necessary to grow both male and female forms to obtain fruits. Note: One of a range of hybrids identified by breeders under the tag 'Moerings'. This form is 'Moeropti'.
- Flower colour
- Orange, Red, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Alkaline
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Ground cover, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee 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.
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
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.
Found in
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