About
Aucuba japonica var. borealis is a robust, evergreen shrub that typically reaches a height of around 2 meters (6½ feet) and exhibits a rounded growth form. Its foliage consists of elongated, narrow leaves that are bright green with serrated edges. The species is dioecious, meaning it has distinct male and female plants. Male specimens produce dark purple blooms in the spring, featuring four prominent yellow stamens, while female plants bear smaller, stamenless purple flowers. If pollination occurs, these females will develop clusters of oval, bright red berries in the autumn, contingent upon the presence of a nearby male for successful fertilization.
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
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-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
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- N. Japan
- 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 except soil prone to waterlogging, 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 taking semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus