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Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel)

Spotted Laurel, Japanese Laurel, Japanese Aucuba, Gold-Leaf Plant, Variegated Laurel

Aucuba japonica, Spotted Laurel, Japanese Laurel, Japanese Aucuba, Gold-Leaf Plant, Variegated Laurel, Evergreen Shrub, Fragrant Shrub, Red Berries, shrub with berries

Perfect for shady gardens, Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel) is a dense, upright, rounded, evergreen shrub prized for its lush foliage of leathery, glossy, rich green leaves mottled with golden yellow. In early to mid-spring, small purple flowers adorned with creamy white anthers appear from the leaf axils (female plants) or in terminal panicles (male plants). When pollinated, the female blooms give way to ornamental, glossy, bright red berries that ripen in fall and often persist until spring. To enjoy a stunning fall and winter fruit display, plant a male plant near a female plant!

  • Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 5-9 ft. wide (150-270 cm). Female plants tend to spread more than male plants.
  • A part shade to full shade lover, this plant is easily grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant to a wide range of soils but will grow and look better if poor or heavy soils are improved. Tolerant of pollution and drought. Protect from strong winds.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant for shrub borders, foundation plantings, hedges, or containers.
  • Low maintenance, this plant is generally disease and pest free.
  • Propagate by cuttings or from seed.
  • Prune to control height or form by cutting back to a leaf joint.
  • Fruits may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested
  • Native from the Himalayas to Japan.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Heat Zones 6 - 11
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Garryaceae
Common names Japanese Laurel
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spread 5' - 9'
(150cm - 270cm)
Spacing 60" - 108"
(150cm - 270cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Recommended Companion Plants

Acer palmatum ‘Beni-Maiko’ (Japanese Maple)
Heuchera ‘Plum Royale’ (Coral Bells)
Helleborus Angel Glow (Hellebore)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Heat Zones 6 - 11
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Garryaceae
Common names Japanese Laurel
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spread 5' - 9'
(150cm - 270cm)
Spacing 60" - 108"
(150cm - 270cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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