Aucuba japonica ‘Picturata’ (Spotted Laurel)

Luminous, Aucuba japonica ‘Picturata’ (Spotted Laurel) is a dense, upright, rounded, evergreen shrub, prized for its lush foliage of leathery, glossy, rich green leaves mottled with golden yellow and adorned with a striking, central splash. In early to mid-spring, small purple flowers, adorned with creamy white anthers, appear from the leaf axils of this female selection. When pollinated, the 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 4-6 ft. tall and wide (120-180 cm).
• 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.
• Prune to control height or form by cutting back to a leaf joint.
• Fruits may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested