Overwintering guide
How to overwinter skimmia japonica rubella
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills skimmia japonica rubella in winter
Cutting skimmia japonica rubella hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More skimmia japonica rubella care
Overwintering skimmia japonica rubella — FAQ
Does skimmia japonica rubella need to come indoors for winter?
Skimmia japonica Rubella is hardy to roughly USDA zone 6 — winter lows around -23°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Skimmia japonica Rubella is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move skimmia japonica rubella for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water skimmia japonica rubella in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills skimmia japonica rubella over winter?
Cutting skimmia japonica rubella hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.