About
Aucuba omeiensis is an upright, evergreen shrub characterized by its robust, smooth green stems and large, leathery leaves with coarsely serrated edges, appearing dark green above and pale green beneath. In spring, male flowers emerge in green, yellow, or purple-red hues, while female flowers are yellow and grow on shorter panicles. By winter, the fruits develop into dark red, cylindrical shapes. To achieve a more tree-like appearance, you can prune the lower stems. This plant is well-suited for creating a vibrant green backdrop in shaded areas such as courtyards or conservatories.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- China, Taiwan
- 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
- Grow in a shady location in fertile, moist but well drained soil. Will grow well in all but waterlogged soils
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus