Growing tips for the self-pollinating Skimmia Japonica Temptation

There is no question about it Skimmia Japonica Temptation is a gem of a plant.

Flower buds fully open mid-April on Skimmia Japonica Temptation

Plant profile Skimmia Japonica Temptation

This female form of Skimmia is genuinely self-pollinating. Producing masses of red berries from September/October and lasting for at least six months.

Temptation October 10th 2018

Temptation is a compact evergreen shrub which has year round interest. The glossy green leaves in themselves are attractive.

In Winter you have a combination of red berries and flower buds, along comes Spring and you get a dazzling show of creamy white flowers whilst the berries can still be holding on.

Summer comes along and the flowers are replaced with green berries which will turn bright red come September. Compact, slow growing, reaching a height of around one meter.

Grow in the border or in a tub adding ericaceous compost and giving it a semi shaded position, you’ll be glad you found this beauty.

Planted in a tub Skimmia temptation sits at our back door. It is in a semi-shaded position, getting no more than about three hours of sunshine between 11 am and 2 pm.

Skimmia prefers soil which is on the acidic side, I used an equal mix of John Innes No. 3 and an ericaceous compost. It came through the Winter with no sign of damage.

In August the leaves became edged and splashed with silver. It still looks very healthy. Is this a sign that something is not quite right. I really don’t know but if you do I would be pleased to hear from you.

Quick read details

Height – 100 cm/3ft 4in

Hardiness – hardy in many parts of the UK. Suggestions of coping with minus 10 c, I suspect it could handle a bit lower.

Position – does best in partial shade, good in pots

Flowers – creamy white flowers in Spring

Berries – large clusters of bright red berries from late September hanging on to them until early Summer the following year. Self fertile, no need for male plant.

Soil – good free draining loamy soil, happy on the acidic side

Foliage – glossy evergreen foliage plant having a neat compact habit.

© 2018, Alistair. All rights reserved.