Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel)

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.
• Native from the Himalayas to Japan.

Toxicity: While the attractive fruits and foliage enhance gardens, all parts of the plant, particularly the fruits and leaves, contain aucubin, a glycoside that poses a low toxicity risk. If ingested, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and possibly fever. Although it does not cause contact dermatitis, it is best to keep Aucuba japonica away from curious children and pets. Poisonous flowers and plants: Identifying toxic risks around you