Overview
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' is a bushy, rounded shrub in the genus Aucuba, part of the Garryaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include hedges, borders and shade gardens. 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, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Rounded
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 3.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Hedges, borders, shade gardens
- Native to
- China, Korea, Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered position, tolerates shade, avoid waterlogged soil
- Pruning
- Light pruning to maintain shape in spring
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'?
Prefers sheltered position, tolerates shade, avoid waterlogged soil.
Where is the best place to plant Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'?
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' need?
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' 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 do I prune Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'?
Light pruning to maintain shape in spring.
How big does Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' grow?
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' hardy in the UK?
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
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