While the skimmia can grow up to 7 m high in its original home, in this country it only reaches a maximum height of 1.50 m. However, it can still tolerate a cut every now and then. But beware of the beginner mistakes!
When and how should you trim a skimmie?
The skimmia should be cut during or shortly after flowering in May/June. The female flowers, which have hardly any scent, should be retained while the male ones can be removed. Radical pruning is not recommended; instead, the plant should only be thinned out and trimmed.
Prune during or shortly after flowering
In general, the skimmia should always be cut during or shortly after flowering. This is the case in May/June. During flowering, the advantage is that you can easily see which specimens are male and which are female. But why is that important?
Do not remove female flowers
Skimmia has male and female plants. The female specimens produce decorative fruits in autumn. But in order for this to develop, the female flowers must not be cut off. Only the male inflorescences can/should be removed.
The female flowers of the skimmia are easy to distinguish from the male flowers. In contrast to the male flowers, which have an intensely sweet scent, the female flowers hardly have any smell.
It's better to just thin out and not cut back radically
A radical pruning should not be carried out on the skimmie. However, it is advisable to thin them out or trim them occasionally. The reason: It grows extremely slowly at 5 to 15 cm per year. Due to this slow growth rate, pruning is rarely necessary.
Thinning out causes denser growth. Cutting away old shoots prevents the skimmia from becoming bald from below as it ages. Disturbing secondary shoots (at the base) should also be removed. A topiary is not necessary.
Propagate as soon as you cut it
At the same time, you can propagate the skimmie with cuttings. However, do not use shoots with yellow leaves as they are weakened and may be diseased. The shoots for propagation from cuttings should be semi-ripe.
How to proceed:
- spring or late summer is the best time
- Choose 15 cm long shoots
- cut diagonally
- Removing buds and flowers
- remove lower leaves
- Put into humus-rich soil and keep moist
- place in a bright, warm place
- move indoors for the first winter
Tip
The skimmia is poisonous! To be on the safe side, wear gardening gloves when cutting (€9.00 on Amazon)!