Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'

Description and Characteristics

Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' is a popular evergreen shrub known for its deep red winter flower buds, fragrant white spring flowers, and year-round glossy foliage. A male clone of Skimmia japonica, ‘Rubella’ is especially valued for its decorative role in autumn and winter, when few other shrubs offer colour or form.

From late autumn through early spring, the plant displays striking dark red flower buds held in large, rounded clusters. These open into creamy-white, scented flowers in April and May, making it a magnet for early pollinators. The leathery, deep green leaves are aromatic and evergreen, forming a neat, rounded mound that provides excellent garden structure.

‘Rubella’ typically reaches 1–1.2 m in height and spread, and is ideal for shady borders, containers, foundation planting, or as a reliable low-maintenance feature plant. It performs particularly well in acidic to neutral soil and partial to full shade, making it a valuable addition to shaded gardens and courtyards.

• Evergreen male Skimmia with deep red flower buds from autumn to spring

• Fragrant white spring flowers in April–May

• Compact growth: 1–1.2 m height and spread

• Glossy, aromatic dark green foliage year-round

• Perfect for containers, shade gardens, and winter interest

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' is easy to grow, especially in shaded, cool garden areas with moist but well-drained, acidic soil. It requires minimal care once established and offers multi-season appeal.

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in partial to full shade

  • Can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid strong midday exposure

  • Foliage may yellow or scorch in too much sun or dry conditions

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

  • Grows best in acidic to neutral pH (avoid alkaline soils)

  • In alkaline conditions, leaves may show chlorosis (yellowing)

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first year to establish roots

  • Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

  • In containers, water during dry periods and ensure good drainage

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with an ericaceous fertiliser

  • Topdress annually with leaf mould or compost

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Requires little or no pruning—maintains a natural rounded shape

  • Lightly trim after flowering to remove spent heads and encourage dense growth

  • Remove any dead or damaged branches in early spring

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5)

  • Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland

  • Shelter from drying winter winds in exposed locations for best bud colour

Garden Uses, Companions, and Seasonal Interest

Skimmia 'Rubella' is prized for its seasonal colour, structure, and shade tolerance. It’s a mainstay in winter containers, shaded beds, and mixed shrub borders where evergreen foliage and bud interest are desired.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for shady foundation planting, borders, woodland edges, and containers

  • Adds structure and form to winter planting schemes

  • Excellent for small gardens, courtyards, and urban planting

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with Heuchera, Helleborus, Pieris, Ferns, Camellia, and Hosta

  • Pairs well with spring bulbs like Narcissus, Scilla, and Crocus

  • Complements silver and gold variegated shrubs for contrast

• Container Use:

  • Perfect for pots and planters, especially near entrances or patios

  • Use ericaceous compost and water consistently

  • Combine with ivies, dwarf conifers, cyclamen, or winter pansies for seasonal displays

• Seasonal Highlights:

  • Autumn–Winter: Decorative deep red buds bring bold colour and interest

  • Spring: Scented white flowers attract early bees and pollinators

  • Year-round: Glossy evergreen leaves keep garden spaces looking tidy and structured

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May suffer from chlorosis in alkaline soils—correct with ericaceous feed or chelated iron

  • Slugs and snails rarely cause damage

• Size
  C 3 30- 40

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.