Table of Contents
Skimmia is a beautiful evergreen shrub that adds color and fragrance to gardens throughout the year. Proper training and pruning can enhance its natural form, promote healthy growth, and improve its overall structure. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, understanding how to train your Skimmia is essential for maintaining a vibrant and well-shaped plant.
Understanding the Growth Habit of Skimmia
Before beginning training, it is important to understand the natural growth pattern of Skimmia. This shrub typically grows upright with dense foliage and can develop into a rounded or bushy shape. Its branches tend to grow outward and upward, making it suitable for shaping through pruning and training.
Tools Needed for Training
- Sterilized pruning shears
- Training stakes or supports
- Soft ties or garden twine
- Gloves to protect your hands
Steps to Train Your Skimmia
1. Pruning for Shape
Start by removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Then, selectively prune to shape the shrub. Focus on encouraging a balanced, rounded form by trimming the outermost branches to the desired height and width.
2. Supporting Young Shoots
Use stakes or supports to guide the growth of young or wayward branches. Tie them gently with soft ties to encourage upward or outward growth, helping establish a strong framework for future development.
3. Training for Height and Width
If you want to control the shape more precisely, use supports to bend and position branches. Carefully tie branches to stakes to create desired angles, promoting a more structured appearance.
Maintenance Tips for Better Structure
- Prune after flowering to shape and control size
- Remove any suckers or unwanted shoots regularly
- Keep ties loose to prevent damage to branches
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and support healthy growth
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-pruning, which can weaken the plant
- Using too tight ties that restrict growth
- Training during the wrong season, such as in winter
- Ignoring signs of disease or pest infestation
With patience and careful attention, you can train your Skimmia to develop a beautiful, structured form that enhances your garden’s aesthetic. Regular maintenance and thoughtful training will ensure your shrub remains healthy and attractive for years to come.