Skimmia japonica 'Red Star'

Skimmia japonica 'Red Star' is a popular evergreen shrub known for its stunning red berries and lanceolate-shaped dark green leaves. This variety of Skimmia is highly sought after due to its excellent winter hardness, making it suitable for colder climates in USDA-zones 1, 2, 3, and 4.

One of the distinguishing features of Skimmia japonica 'Red Star' is its spreading leaf arrangement, creating a lush and full appearance. The leaves have entire margins, giving them a smooth and unbroken edge. They are lanceolate in shape, meaning they are long and narrow with a tapered tip.

The leaves of Skimmia japonica 'Red Star' exhibit a dark green color as their main hue. They are unicolored and have a glossy finish, adding to the overall attractiveness of the plant. The leaves have a width of 2-3 cm and a length of 5-7.5 cm, providing a substantial foliage presence.

During the month of April, Skimmia japonica 'Red Star' produces beautiful clusters of berries. The fruit is rounded or globose in shape and ranges in size from 1-10 mm. The berries are a medium red color, classified as red-medium red-044A. These vibrant berries add a touch of color to any garden and are particularly eye-catching when contrasted against the dark green leaves.

In terms of light conditions, Skimmia japonica 'Red Star' thrives in semi-shaded areas, making it suitable for gardens with partial sunlight. However, it can also tolerate sunny conditions. This versatility allows for more options when it comes to planting locations.

Skimmia japonica 'Red Star' is a compact shrub, reaching a height of 20-30 cm. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, borders, or containers. It can be used as a standalone feature or combined with other plants to create a visually appealing landscape.

Gardeners will appreciate the low maintenance nature of Skimmia japonica 'Red Star'. Its evergreen leaves provide year-round interest, and the excellent winter hardness ensures it can withstand even harsh winter conditions. This hardiness also makes it suitable for colder regions where other plants may struggle to survive.

Overall, Skimmia japonica 'Red Star' is a stunning shrub that brings vibrant color and texture to gardens. With its spreaded leaf arrangement, dark green lanceolate leaves, and clusters of red berries, it is a visually enticing addition to any outdoor space. Whether planted in a sunny spot or under partial shade, this compact shrub is sure to attract attention and enhance the beauty of its surroundings.

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