Skimmia jap. 'Mica'

Skimmia japonica 'Mica': Year-Round Interest with Stunning Foliage and Fragrant Blooms

Skimmia japonica 'Mica' is an exceptional evergreen shrub that brings year-round interest to your garden with its striking foliage, fragrant flowers, and vibrant berries. This compact, low-maintenance plant is perfect for borders, containers, and shaded garden areas, offering a combination of visual appeal and fragrance throughout the seasons. Whether you're looking to brighten up a dark corner or add structure to a mixed border, 'Mica' is a versatile choice that won’t disappoint.

Key Features of Skimmia japonica 'Mica'

• Attractive Evergreen Foliage: 'Mica' is known for its glossy, dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop in the garden throughout the year. The leaves have a slight sheen, giving them a polished appearance that stands out in shaded areas. The foliage is also aromatic when crushed, adding another layer of sensory interest to this versatile shrub.

• Fragrant White Flowers: In spring, Skimmia japonica 'Mica' produces clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers that are not only visually appealing but also highly fragrant. The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, making 'Mica' a beneficial addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. The sweet scent of the blossoms adds a delightful fragrance to the garden during the spring months.

• Vibrant Red Berries: Following the flowering season, 'Mica' produces bright red berries that persist through autumn and winter, adding a splash of color when most other plants have gone dormant. These berries contrast beautifully with the dark green foliage and provide seasonal interest long after the flowers have faded. Note that berry production requires the presence of a male Skimmia plant nearby for pollination.

• Compact Growth Habit: With its compact and rounded growth habit, 'Mica' is ideal for small gardens, borders, and container planting. Its neat, tidy appearance makes it a great choice for adding structure and form to garden designs, particularly in shaded areas where other plants may struggle.

• Shade Tolerance: One of the standout features of Skimmia japonica 'Mica' is its ability to thrive in partial to full shade. This makes it an excellent choice for planting in north-facing borders, under trees, or in other low-light areas of the garden where it will add color and structure without requiring direct sunlight.

Planting and Care for Skimmia japonica 'Mica'

Skimmia japonica 'Mica' is a hardy and low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal care to flourish. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of 'Mica' for years to come:

• Height and Spread: At maturity, 'Mica' reaches a height of approximately 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) and has a spread of about 60-70 cm (24-28 inches). Its compact size makes it suitable for small gardens, urban spaces, and containers.

• Planting Location: For best results, plant 'Mica' in a location with partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some morning sun, it performs best in shaded or dappled light conditions, especially in hotter climates. 'Mica' thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter.

• Soil Requirements: 'Mica' prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic material such as compost or leaf mold. It is particularly well-suited to soils with a slightly acidic pH, which helps maintain the vibrant color of its foliage. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

• Watering: 'Mica' requires regular watering, especially during its first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from additional watering during prolonged dry periods. Ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, particularly during the summer months.

• Fertilization: Feed 'Mica' with an ericaceous (acidic-loving) fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. A top dressing of compost or well-rotted manure in autumn will also provide essential nutrients and help retain soil moisture. Avoid using lime-based fertilizers, as they can raise the soil pH and negatively affect the plant's health.

• Pruning: 'Mica' has a naturally compact and rounded growth habit that requires minimal pruning. However, to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth, you can lightly prune the plant after flowering. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.

• Winter Care: Skimmia japonica 'Mica' is hardy to USDA zones 7-9 and requires minimal winter care. In colder climates, consider applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late autumn to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. The evergreen foliage will continue to provide color and structure to the garden even in the depths of winter.

Add Year-Round Interest with Skimmia japonica 'Mica'

Skimmia japonica 'Mica' is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance shrub that offers year-round interest. Its glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers, and vibrant red berries make it a versatile and attractive addition to any garden, particularly in shaded areas. Whether you're looking to brighten up a dark corner, add structure to a mixed border, or enhance a container display, 'Mica' provides a reliable and visually appealing solution. Plant 'Mica' today and enjoy its stunning beauty and fragrance throughout the seasons

• Size
  P10.5 - 3/4 flwr.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.