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Male / female Skimmia planting proximity

DicemancDicemanc Posts: 40
in Plants

Hello all,

I have a pair of male / female skimmias in pots, and the female has been nicely producing berries for the last few years.

Due to the imminent arrival of three large recycling bins I will have to do a bit of rearranging on the patio area where they are currently sited - which will probably mean that the pots will be moved further apart.

I have read on the internet that the male and female plants need to be in 'close proximity' for the female to produce berries - but I can't see anywhere exactly how close 'close proximity' is... Is it within a couple of feet or a few yards?

I would be very grateful if someone is able to advise how far apart the skimmias can be placed and still produce the berries.

Many thanks for your help,

Col.

Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,887

    so long as they're close enough to allow pollinating insects to get from one to the other. I'd try to keep them within a couple of metres.

    Devon.
  • DicemancDicemanc Posts: 40

    Thanks Hostafan,

    I've been trying to map out a new layout for the patio and the most practical layout would have them about 4 metres apart.

    I assume the pollinators can fly 4 metres without too much problem - although I have no idea about the science of pollinating. Do the insects have to go straight from plant A to plant B without stop off? (as there would be a couple of plants between the two pots with the new layout).

    Am I just over-complicating everything!?

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,444

    I'd try it with your layout plan. The worst that can happen is no berries for a season if you get it wrongimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • DicemancDicemanc Posts: 40

    That's a very good point image

    Thanks all...

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