If you ask me, Skimmia is at its absolute best during the winter. Originally hailing from the forests of Japan, this evergreen beauty keeps its lush green leaves all year round, providing the perfect backdrop for those vibrant red berries. But if you’re a gardener in a colder climate, you might be wondering: can this plant actually handle a deep freeze?
How Hardy is Skimmia, Really?
The good news is that Skimmia is surprisingly tough. It’s generally hardy down to about -4 °F (-20 °C), which is more than enough for most backyards. Because it’s so resilient, you can usually leave it in your garden beds year-round without a second thought.
However, if you’re expecting a record-breaking cold snap or if you’ve just put a young plant in the ground, it’s a good idea to give it a little extra love. A thick layer of mulch around the roots works wonders. You can use:
- Dried leaves
- Compost
- Brushwood
- Straw
- Evergreen branches
Preventing Frost Damage
Sometimes, if a plant is still putting out new growth when the first frost hits, those tender young branches can get zapped. If that happens, just prune away the damaged bits in the spring. To prevent this, I recommend stopping all fertilizing by August and cutting back on water to help the plant “harden off” for the winter.
Pro Tip:
Try to find a spot in partial to full shade. Avoiding the harsh winter sun helps prevent “sunscald” or drying out when the ground is frozen solid.
Winterizing Your Potted Skimmia
Because Skimmia grows nice and slow, it’s a favorite for patio containers. Just keep in mind that plants in pots are a bit more sensitive to the cold than those in the ground. Since they look so festive with their berries, it’s tempting to bring them inside by the fireplace—but don’t do it! The sudden heat will likely cause yellow leaves and a very unhappy plant. Here’s the right way to overwinter them:
- Keep them indoors in a cool spot (40–50 °F).
- An unheated hallway or a sunroom is perfect.
- If they stay outside, they can handle temps down to about 23 °F (-5 °C).
- Keep them in the shade and wrap the pot in burlap or fleece for insulation.
Winter Maintenance
Your winter to-do list for Skimmia is pretty short: just don’t forget to water! Since it’s an evergreen, it’s still “breathing” and losing moisture through its leaves. If your plant is outside, just make sure to give it a drink on days when the ground isn’t frozen.
