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Skimmia Japonica

agoodrumagoodrum Posts: 39
in Plants
Hi all.  I have read different opinions about whether Skimmia Japonica need ericaceous soil or not.  Various websites have various answers! 
Does anyone know for definite, through their own experiences, what the answer actually is please? 
I really like them for winter interest and have finally bought one and want it to last. Many thanks.

Posts

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    They don't.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Neutral soil is fine. It's alkaline soil they don't like. If you have neutral to acidic, that's perfect. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • dappledshadedappledshade Posts: 1,017
    I’ve had my two in ericaceous (when in a pot) then in open ground (normal compost). What made a noticeable difference was being in open ground, as they’re now thriving.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They're not really suited to pot cultivation long term  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • agoodrumagoodrum Posts: 39
    Thanks all.  I don't think I'll bother with the ericaceous feed then as it is in neutral peat free compost in a pot at the moment.  Cheers.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You'll need more than just compost if you're keeping it in the pot for more than few months.
    Compost isn't enough for shrubs in pots, and neutral compost isn't the same as neutral soil unfortunately. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • agoodrumagoodrum Posts: 39
    Would it be best to pot it on with top soil added? 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It'll certainly need soil of some kind to keep it happy. It all depends on the size of the plant and the pot etc. It would be better to have it in mostly soil with a bit of compost, rather than the other way round.
    As long as the mix isn't alkaline, it'll be fine. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • agoodrumagoodrum Posts: 39
    Fairygirl said:
    It'll certainly need soil of some kind to keep it happy. It all depends on the size of the plant and the pot etc. It would be better to have it in mostly soil with a bit of compost, rather than the other way round.
    As long as the mix isn't alkaline, it'll be fine. 
    Thank you 👍
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