If you’re a gardener, you may have come across Skimmias before and wondered how to tell if they are male or female.
Skimmia plants are dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female plants.
The flowers on each plant are different – the male flowers have 5 stamens (the pollen-producing parts), while the female flowers have 3 carpels (the ovule-bearing parts).
So, how can you tell if a Skimmia is male or female? The easiest way is to look at the flowers. If you see 5 stamens, it’s a male plant; if you see 3 carpels, it’s a female plant. The other way to tell the difference is by looking at the fruit. Male Skimmias will not produce any berries, while female Skimmias will produce clusters of red berries.
Is Skimmia Japonica male or female?
The most common Skimmia plant is Skimmia Japonica, and it is usually dioecious (separate male and female plants).
However, there are some varieties of Skimmia Japonica that are hermaphrodites (plants with both male and female flowers on the same plant), such as ‘Rubella’.
So if you’re not sure which type you have, it’s best to check the flowers.
Where does Skimmia come from?
Skimmia plants are native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan and Korea where they grow wild in forests and also in the mountainous Himalayan regions.
Skimmea is related to the same range of plants as citrus and if you crush their leaves they give off a distinctly citrus aroma.
What are the different types of Skimmia?
There are several different species of Skimmia, but the most common ones are Skimmia Japonica and Skimmia Reevesiana.
Skimmia Japonica is a large evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3m tall, while Skimmia Reevesiana is a smaller plant that only grows up to 1.5m tall.
Both of these plants have dark green leaves and produce clusters of small white flowers in spring, followed by red berries in autumn/winter (if they are female plants).
Other less common types of skimmia include Skimmia Cordata, which has heart-shaped leaves, and Skimmia Arborea, which is a tree rather than a shrub.
What do you do with Skimmia after it has flowered?
After Skimmia has flowered, you can prune it into shape if necessary.
However, it’s best to wait until late spring or early summer after the flowers have finished blooming.
You can also deadhead the flowers if you want to tidy up the plant. Deadheading is when you remove the spent flowers from a plant.
To do this, simply snip off the flower stems at the base of the plant.
This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
How to propagate Skimmia?
Skimmias are fairly easy to propagate from seed. The seeds need to be sown in autumn or winter in order to germinate properly.
The best way to sow the seeds is to mix them with some sand and then sow them on the surface of a pot of seed compost.
Cover the pot with a sheet of glass or plastic and place it in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse.
The seeds should germinate within 4-6 weeks.
Once they have germinated, you can transplant them into individual pots and grow them on until they are big enough to plant out in the garden.
Skimmias can also be propagated from cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer.
Take a 10-15cm cutting from the end of a shoot that has just finished flowering.
Cut just below a leaf joint and remove the bottom leaves.
Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and then plant it in a pot of seed compost. Cover the pot with a sheet of glass or plastic and place it in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse.
The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
Once it has rooted, you can transplant it into an individual pot and grow it on until it is big enough to plant out in the garden.
Whether you’re propagation skimmia from seed or cuttings, it’s best to wait until late spring or early summer to plant them out in the garden.
This will give the plants a chance to become established before the colder winter months.
How do you care for Skimmea?
Skimmia are evergreen shrubs that make excellent hedging plants as they can grow quite tall (up to 3m) and are very dense.
Skimmias like partial shade and well-drained soil, and they are fairly drought-tolerant once established.
They can be pruned into shape if necessary, but it’s best to do this in late spring or early summer after the flowers have finished blooming.
Skimmias are generally quite low-maintenance plants, but there are a few things you can do to keep them looking their best.
Here are some tips on how to care for Skimmia:
– Prune Skimmia after it has flowered, using sharp secateurs to remove any dead, diseased or damaged growth. Cut back the flowered stems to just above a leaf joint.
– Deadhead the flowers if you want to tidy up the plant. Simply snip off the flower stems at the base of the plant.
– Feed Skimmia with a slow-release fertilizer in spring. This will help to encourage growth and flowering.
– Mulch Skimmia with compost or bark chips in spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
– Water Skimmia regularly during dry periods, particularly if it is growing in a pot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
– Protect Skimmia from frost by covering it with horticultural fleece or straw in winter.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your Skimmia looking healthy and vibrant all year round.
FAQs
How can I determine the gender of a Skimmia plant?
To identify the gender of a Skimmia, you can look for differences in flower structures. Male Skimmia plants typically have larger and more abundant flowers than female ones.
Are there any visible characteristics that can help me determine the gender of a Skimmia plant?
Yes, you can observe the flower clusters closely. Male Skimmia plants usually have prominent and showy flower clusters, while female plants tend to have smaller and less conspicuous flowers.
Is there a specific time of year when the gender of Skimmia plants becomes apparent?
Yes, Skimmia plants usually exhibit their flowers in late winter or early spring. During this time, it is easier to distinguish between male and female plants based on the size and appearance of their flowers.
Are there any other indicators apart from flowers to determine the gender of Skimmia plants?
While flowers are the most reliable indicators, another characteristic that can provide some clues is the presence of berries. Only female Skimmia plants produce berries, which develop after successful pollination.
Can I rely on the presence or absence of berries alone to identify the gender of Skimmia plants?
It is not advisable to solely rely on the presence or absence of berries to determine the gender of Skimmia plants, as some factors like insufficient pollination or young plants may not produce berries yet. Examining the flowers remains the most accurate method
Final Words
Skimmia is a popular evergreen shrub that is often used in gardens and landscaping.
It is easy to care for and can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
Skimmia make excellent hedging plants as they are very dense and can grow quite tall.
With a little bit of care, you can keep your Skimmia looking healthy and vibrant all year round.
