About Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba, Spotted Laurel, Japanese Laurel, Gold-Dust Plant)
Aucuba japonica is a dependable evergreen shrub with attractive glossy green foliage dotted with golden-yellow markings. It is also referred to as Japanese aucuba, spotted laurel or Japanese laurel – and sometimes referred to by its common misspelling, ‘acuba’. Native to East Asia, particularly Japan and Korea, the aucuba, as with many other popular East Asian plants, have a prominent but quiet presence in Pacific Northwest gardens. No major cultural symbolism noted, but valued for resilience and foliage. The variegated leaf reminds me of the Codiaeum croton shrub common in tropical regions. This comprehensive guide will help you with tips on how to grow and prune the aucuba bush, keeping your shrub healthy and looking great year-round in your shady garden.
The aucuba is highly adaptable for either a sunny (but sheltered from afternoon sun) location or shady site, even in deep shade garden conditions, including coastal weather exposure or challenging dry, shaded areas. Perfect for sprucing up a dark corner or an all-green landscape. The aucuba shrub is low maintenance, cold-hardy and easy to care for. Most species grow at a moderate rate up to about 1.5 metres (5 ft), but some can grow at much as 3 metres (10 ft) tall and wide.
Evergreen, glossy, leathery leaves, with prized variegated varieties (for example, the dense yellow speckles on ‘Gold Dust’). Some cultivars have solid green leaves. Often used for hedging, but great all season performer as a specimen plant. Notable cultivars like the ‘Crotonifolia’ is impressive for its large leaves with yellow spots, while the ‘Variegata’ is the popular classic green with yellow margins.
The small flowers of purple-brown are inconspicuous and bloom in early spring. Attractive red berries, produced on female plants if a male pollinator is nearby – read more below. Note that cultivars like ‘Rozannie’ (self-fertile) or ‘Picturata’ (yellow-centered leaves) add visual interest in any shady garden.
The variegated cultivars with striking yellow leaves and green margins can also look great planted in an outside planter at the entrance of a home.
Aucuba is a versatile, low-maintenance shrub ideal for adding structure and color to shaded areas, with caution advised for its toxic berries. Berries, leaves and all parts of the shrub are toxic if ingested. Keep away from pets and children. By following these guidelines, your Aucuba shrub will remain healthy and vibrant, providing year-round interest in shaded gardens.
Female And Male Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel) Shrubs
Caution: Toxic Berries and Leaves
As with Skimmia japonica, both female and male aucuba shrubs are needed to be planted close to each other to produce the bright red berries. The small flowers come out in spring – though they are relatively insignificant. The autumn berries are produced by the female plant. The male plant is used as a pollinizer. The aucuba berries can sometimes last through the winter and into spring.
While attractive, these berries are not edible and are toxic. All parts, including the leaves, contain aucubin, causing gastrointestinal (GI) tract distress if ingested. They are considered poisonous causing nausea and vomiting. Keep away from children and pets. The birds and deer have no interest in eating them.
Many gardeners are not overly concerned whether their aucuba produce berries as aucuba shrubs are generally favoured for their attractive all-season foliage. If you wish to have the vivid red berries in autumn, make sure to plant a male plant close to the female shrubs. When purchasing your aucuba plant at the garden store, check the plant tag for whether it is a female or male shrub.
Aucuba (Spotted Laurel) At A Glance
Type: Evergreen shrub providing year-round colour
Location: (Adaptable) Partial Shade / Full Sun in cooler regions (direct hot sun can scorch leaves)
Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established but water during prolonged dry spells
Seasonal Interest: Year-round foliage, Autumn/Winter berries, Spring flowers
When To Prune: If required, Spring (after risk of frost has passed)
Size: Varies 1 – 3 metres (3 – 10 ft) tall and equal spread
Plant Hardiness Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (protect from harsh winter winds in colder areas)
Where to Plant and How to Grow Aucuba
The aucuba or spotted laurel is adaptable to different soil conditions and locations, but it does not do well in soggy soil. Aucubas thrive in moist, rich organic and well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Tolerates urban pollution and even clay if drainage is good.
Plant in spring or early fall about 1 to 1.5 metres (approximately 3–5 ft) apart, depending on variety and landscaping use. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball; plant at the same depth as the container.
Though it is fairly drought resistant once established, it needs regular watering the first year, and especially during hot summer months when planted in sunny location. Water deeply 1–2 times weekly until established. Avoid waterlogging. It is recommended as an evergreen shrub for its green/yellow variegated foliage for brightening a shade garden or in a woodland setting, but most varieties need to receive at least three hours of sunlight to encourage good leaf colour. Variegated types may scorch in direct sun, especially afternoon sun.
Aucubas benefit from an annual application in early spring of rich organic topsoil or balanced slow-release general purpose fertilizer mixed into some mulch. Over-fertilizing can reduce berry production.
For winter care, apply organic mulch around the base (not touching the stem) to insulate roots in colder regions. Shield from heavy snow and strong wind with burlap wraps if needed to protect from extreme temperatures and winter conditions.
Propagation is fairly easy by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in potting mix.
Pruning Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba, Spotted Laurel)
Generally, aucubas have a naturally rounded shape, though sometimes can develop bare and straggly stems. An annual light prune helps keep it in shape. After winter, check and remove any frost-damaged, diseased branches or dead stems. Aucuba is not fast-growing and can handle a hard prune if overgrown to restore its form. Always wear gloves to avoid skin irritation from the sap.
Young plants should be pruned to one-third to encourage a bushy habit from the get-go.
Like pruning Skimmia japonica, most pruning should be done in late winter or early spring after the last frost of the season has passed and the berries have finished but try to prune before new growth starts.
If restoring a mature plant’s shape, prune half of the main stems down to 20-25 cm (8 – 10 inches) from the soil level. Then in the second year, do the remaining main stems. Alternatively, aucuba shrubs can handle a hard prune removing all the stems at the same time. If this is done, ensure you feed with a slow-release nitrogen-rich fertilizer and water regularly.
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Pests, Diseases and Troubleshooting
Aucuba shrubs are generally trouble-free, though it can be affected by root rot from over watering.
Prevent fungal issues (for example, leaf spot) by avoiding overhead watering and ensuring good airflow with a light prune.
Watch for scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if available.
Remember that over-fertilizing can reduce berry production.
Brighter leaf patterns with variegated varieties may fade in deep shade; partial shade enhances colouration.
It is generally rabbit and deer resistant.
