Aucuba japonica 'CROTONIFOLIA' spotted laurel, Japanese aucuba

This evergreen shrub of Japanese aucuba is a commonly known favourite especially in Britain and in milder parts of humid regions of Germany and Benelux. The first specimen was brought from Japan to Europe in 1783, and has been sought after ever since for its beautifully varigated/golden-spotted leaves.
They are extremely large for a hardy evergreen plant – upto 20 cm long and 8-10 cm wide. Varigation differs from plant to plant. Crotonifolia is a female variety which can have quite attractive, large, red berries if pollinated by a male plant, e.g. aucuba japonica.

Usually considered a house plant it is suitable for outdoor growing, too, upto USDA zone 6 (-24°C). If you wish to make sure the top of the plant will not be damaged in extreme winter frosts (below -20°C) cover the plant with white woven for the few coldest days of winter. Should the top leaves be burnt after winter, just get rid of them in the spring or prune the shrub to healthy (= green) tissue. The plant will readily regenerate from lower branches and will become even denser. Trimming or pruning is best done from April until end June latest.

It does best in light to full shade, in normal to acidic soil. It needs a lot of moisture though once established it tolerates summer drought. For best results, however, we suggest planting it in fairly rich, moist but well-drained soil. Provide extra watering in frost-free winter periods. Hardy to min. -20°C, with protection to -24°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 09-01-2009