Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi) Skimmia japonica
Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi) (Skimmia japonica) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rutaceae family, native to Japan, Taiwan, south-east China and the Philippines. It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, Taiwan, south-east China and the Philippines |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: berries, leaves
All parts are harmful if eaten (RHS); berries can cause stomach upset.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Questions about Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi)
- How far apart should I plant Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi)?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi)?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi) flower?
- From about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. All parts are harmful if eaten (RHS); berries can cause stomach upset.
- What grows well with Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese skimmia (miyama-shikimi). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Red winter buds (‘Rubella’) open to scented white flowers in spring; females carry red berries if a male is near. Leaves yellow in sun or alkaline soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia