Overview
Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla is a bushy shrubs in the genus Aucuba, part of the Garryaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla grows best in full shade, partial shade and full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include hedging and screens, coastal, low maintenance, patio and container plants, city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden.
About
Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla, known as the long-leaved Himalayan laurel, is a bushy evergreen shrub within the Aucuba genus. It thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full shade to full sun, and adapts well to different soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained, fertile soil. This hardy plant (H5) is suitable for hedging, screens, and container planting, making it versatile for coastal, city, and informal gardens. Propagation is best achieved through semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer to autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aucuba
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade, Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Hedging and screens, Coastal, Low Maintenance, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer to autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla?
Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla prefers full shade, partial shade and full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla need?
Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla hardy in the UK?
Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Aucuba himalaica var. dolichophylla?
Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer to autumn.
