Skimmia japonica 'Olympic Flame' (f)
skimmia 'Olympic Fire'
A rounded, evergreen shrub to about 1.2m with leathery, oval leaves. A female variety, with red, winter flower buds opening in spring to conical clusters of tiny, scented, pale pink flowers, followed by abundant, red berries
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Red |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental, not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Skimmia are compact evergreen shrubs with simple, aromatic leaves and terminal panicles of small white or yellowish flowers followed, on fertilised female plants, by shiny red berries; most have male and female flowers on separate plants
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained humus-rich soil in shade. Full sun may be tolerated when planted in damp soil. Also tolerant of atmospheric pollution and neglect. May become chlorotic if over-exposed to sun or on poor dry soil
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to Phytophthora and honey fungus
Get involved
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