About
Aucuba japonica 'Marmorata' is a dense, evergreen shrub that typically reaches a height of around 2.5 meters. Its leaves are broad and dark green, marked with prominent yellow splashes and spots. In spring, this variety produces small purple flowers, which, if a male cultivar is present for pollination, give way to clusters of red berries in the autumn.
About the genus
Aucuba are dioecious evergreen shrubs characterized by simple, leathery foliage, with numerous cultivars showcasing attractive variegation. Male plants produce small purple flowers, while female specimens bear large, glossy red berries afterward.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
- Toxicity
- Fruit is ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit is ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Will grow in almost any soil or situation, tolerating full shade, dry soil, pollution and salt wind
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1; trim hedges in spring, shrubs may be renovated by hard pruning in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus