Skimmia japonica 'Keessen' (f)

RHS Plant Profile

Japanese skimmia 'Keessen'

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Shrubs

A compact, evergreen shrub with leathery, glossy, dark green foliage and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Clay

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 1-1.5 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam Clay

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade

Aspect: North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Rutaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: Fruit are ornamentalnot to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamentalnot 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: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in light or deep shade. Can become chlorotic on poor, dry soils or if exposed to too much sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Cottage and informal garden
City and courtyard gardens
Wildlife gardens
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 8, if necessary

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and fruit tree red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to Phytophthora and honey fungus