- Watering - is it really that important?
- How is the Skimmie fertilized?
- Can diseases bring her harm?
- Do you have to overwinter this plant?
- When and how should the skimmie be cut?
Whether free-standing in the garden bed or in a pot - the Skimmia is especially valuable in the dreary winter time. With its dark green foliage and bright red fruits, it is a welcome ornamental plant in the gray season. But what care does Skimmia need?
The Skimmie needs sufficient water all year round
Watering - is it really that important?
The Skimmie should have a water supply all year round. Their evergreen foliage depends on a water supply from above. In addition to winter time, increased attention is required in summer. This plant does not handle drought well.
The soil should be kept moderately moist. Low-lime rainwater or decalcified tap water is used for watering. Short-term waterlogging is tolerated by Skimmia. From August, watering is reduced so that the plant continues to grow more slowly.
How is the Skimmie fertilized?
The fertilizing of the Skimmie is rather secondary or this plant takes what it needs:
- Mulch layer (e.g. lawn clippings, bark) in the bed is sufficient
- compost in spring
- in the pot: supply with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks
- conventional fertilizers are suitable
- use lime-free fertiliser
- Fertilize from April and by September at the latest
Can diseases bring her harm?
Usually the skimmie is resilient. If yellow leaves are visible, care mistakes are usually behind them, such as too much sunlight. There are no known specific diseases for this plant.
Do you have to overwinter this plant?
Although the Skimmia is very hardy, it should be covered with jute, leaves or brushwood in severe frost to protect its young shoots from freezing. Potted specimens should be placed in a cool place at 5 to 15 °C in winter.
When and how should the skimmie be cut?
After flowering, the skimmia can receive a pruning. But beware: Don't cut too radically! The Skimmie grows extremely slowly. Thinning out the plant and removing the inflorescences of male plants is recommended.
tips
If you set up the Skimmie at home in winter, be careful! If it is too warm and the air in the room is too dry, the risk of an infestation with spider mites increases drastically.