Overview

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' is a bushy shrub in the genus Aucuba, part of the Garryaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include hedging, borders and containers. It is native to China, Korea and Japan.

About

Aucuba japonica, commonly called spotted laurel, Japanese laurel, Japanese aucuba or gold dust plant (U.S.), is a shrub native to rich forest soils of moist valleys, thickets, by streams and near shaded moist rocks in China, Korea, and Japan. This is the species of Aucuba commonly seen in gardens - often in variegated form.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aucuba japonica

About the genus

Aucuba is a genus of three to ten species of flowering plants, now placed in the family Garryaceae, although formerly classified in the Aucubaceae or Cornaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Aucuba", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aucuba

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aucuba

Sunlight
Full sun, Full shade
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered, Exposed
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrub
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
3.0 m
Suggested uses
Hedging, Borders, Containers
Native to
China, Korea, Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia'

Propagation
Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia'?

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.

What soil does Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' need?

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How big does Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' grow?

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' reaches a height of 3.0 m.

Is Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' hardy in the UK?

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' 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 japonica 'Crotonifolia'?

Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Aucuba genus

Browse all Aucuba →