Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel)
Spotted Laurel, Japanese Laurel, Japanese Aucuba, Gold-Leaf Plant, Variegated 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, make sure to 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.
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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 |
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) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Clay Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
spring75 / 123RF Stock Photo
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.
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 |
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) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Clay Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |