Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' Plant - 2Ltr Pot
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Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' Plant - 2Ltr Pot is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' Plant - 2Ltr Pot
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' – Evergreen Shrub
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its striking red flower buds in late winter and fragrant white blooms in early spring. This male Skimmia variety is ideal for adding year-round structure and seasonal interest to shaded borders or containers.
Key Features
- Evergreen foliage provides colour and structure throughout the year
- Deep red flower buds appear in late winter, adding early seasonal interest
- Fragrant white flowers open in spring, attracting pollinators
- Perfect for shaded areas, including north- or east-facing gardens
- Compact, rounded shape ideal for borders, mixed planting or pots
- Male variety – essential for pollinating female Skimmias like 'Pabella'
Product Description
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' is a popular choice for UK gardens thanks to its reliable year-round appeal. It forms a neat, dome-shaped shrub with dark green, glossy leaves that stay vibrant through all seasons. From late winter, it produces upright clusters of deep red buds, which bring a welcome splash of colour during the colder months.
These buds open into small, fragrant white flowers in early spring, offering an early food source for bees and pollinators. As a male Skimmia, 'Rubella' does not produce berries, but it plays a crucial role in fertilising female varieties like 'Pabella', enabling them to produce their signature red fruit in autumn and winter.
This slow-growing shrub thrives in moist but well-drained, acidic to neutral soil and prefers a sheltered spot in partial shade. Its tidy shape and versatility make it ideal for use in shaded borders, woodland-style planting, or containers near doorways or patios.
Specifications
- Plant name: Skimmia japonica 'Rubella'
- Type: Evergreen shrub
- Pot size: 2L
- Ultimate height: 1–1.5 metres
- Ultimate spread: 1–1.5 metres
- Time to maturity: 10–20 years
- Position: Partial shade
- Aspect: North, East or West-facing
- Soil type: Loam or sand
- Soil pH: Acidic or neutral
- Moisture: Moist but well-drained
- Exposure: Sheltered
- Hardiness: H5 – hardy in most UK regions
Care Tips
- Plant in partial shade to avoid scorching the leaves
- Use acidic or neutral, moist but well-drained soil for best results
- Mulch annually with organic matter to retain moisture and improve soil
- Water regularly in dry periods, especially during the first year
- No need for heavy pruning – just remove dead or damaged branches as needed
- Pair with a female Skimmia like ‘Pabella’ if berry production is desired
Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' is a dependable, attractive shrub that adds structure and early seasonal colour to the garden. Its compact form and easy-care nature make it a brilliant choice for shaded spots, borders, or containers – or as a pollination partner for berry-producing varieties.
The plant's growth rate and size will vary depending on planting position & conditions. Bloom, foliage and interest may vary from photo upon delivery, dependant on season.
Delivery Note: Please note that unfortunately we are currently unable to deliver plants to Northern Ireland.
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About Us
About Us
We are a family run, independent Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant combined. We are proud to offer the very best gardening, home and outdoor living products alongside delicious, fresh, locally produced food and drink.
Awarded 'Best Garden Centre in the UK in 2018 & 2021 you can rest assured that we offer excellent products, plants and customer service.
Learn more about us and our story on the 'About Us' page.
Delivery
Delivery
Collect your order in-store, have it delivered to your door, or choose a convenient InPost Locker!
We aim to dispatch orders as quickly as possible using trusted couriers.
Your Questions Answered...
What are the delivery options and prices?
We offer Standard (3-5 working days) and Express (1-2 working days) delivery for a small additional charge.
- Postable items (e.g., seed packets, gift cards) - £2.95 via Royal Mail.
- Smaller, lighter items - £4.95 – £6.95.
- Larger, heavier, and fragile items - £9.95 – £19.95.
- Pallet deliveries (e.g., furniture) - from £69.95 (see kerbside pallet delivery details below).
The exact delivery charge is calculated at checkout based on your selected items.
New! Deliver to InPost Locker
Instead of home delivery, choose to collect your parcel from an InPost Locker near you.
- Delivery rates: £3.95 or £4.95 depending on item size.
- How it works: Choose InPost after completing your order. You'll receive a notification when your parcel is ready to collect.
- Collection options: Scan the QR code or open the locker remotely via the InPost app. If collecting from a shop, show your QR code to the staff.
- Collection time: You have 3 days to pick up your parcel. InPost will send a reminder 24 hours before expiry.
- Tracking: Track your parcel via the InPost app or the tracking link in your confirmation email.
Can someone else pick up my parcel?
Yes! Share your QR code or collection code (sent via email) along with your mobile number, and they can collect it for you.
Do I need ID to collect from an InPost Locker?
No, just scan the QR code in the app or your email. For InPost Shop collections, show the QR code to the staff.
Any more questions?
Visit InPost’s [help page](#) for more details or check their blog for tips and updates.
How do I track my delivery?
Once your order is dispatched, you'll receive an email with tracking details.
Who delivers my order?
Depending on size and weight, orders are delivered by Royal Mail, Evri, or Parcelforce. Furniture and large items arrive via kerbside pallet delivery.
What is kerbside pallet delivery?
Large items like furniture are delivered on a pallet using a heavy goods vehicle. The pallet is placed at the nearest safe kerbside location. The driver cannot move it across uneven ground or remove the items from the pallet.
We can arrange a delivery date that suits you. If access for large vehicles is difficult, please let us know in advance.
What should I do if my order arrives damaged?
If your order is damaged in transit, email us a photo and your order number within 24 hours so we can resolve the issue.
Do you deliver to Northern Ireland?
Yes, though some larger or heavier items may incur a surcharge. Unfortunately, we cannot ship plants to Northern Ireland at this time.
Do any UK areas have a delivery surcharge?
Additional delivery charges may apply for:
- Channel Islands
- Northern Ireland
- Scottish Highlands & Islands
- Isle of Man & Isle of Wight
- Scilly Isles
What is the warranty on my purchase?
All products come with a manufacturer’s warranty (typically 12 months unless stated otherwise). Faulty items within the warranty period may be repaired or replaced subject to the manufacturer’s terms.
Still have questions?
Contact us via our enquiry form, call 01497 847055, or email shoponline@oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.
Returns
Returns
How do I return an item?
If a purchase is no longer required you are able to return the goods within 28 days of delivery for a full refund in accordance with our refunds policy set out in Clause 10 of our Terms & Conditions. We will refund any money received from you using the same method originally used by you to pay for your purchase. Please make sure that you include the sales order or invoice with your return.
When returning items to us, please ensure that any and all original packaging, instructions, tags etc are included as supplied to you. We recommend using a recorded/insured service to return your order. The Old Railway Garden Centre cannot be held responsible for returned items lost or damaged in transit to us.
