Aucuba japonica 'SULPHUREA MARGINATA' Japanese aucuba, spotted laurel
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-1,3m
usual width
1-1,3m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
location
semi-shade to shade
soil type
acidic (peaty) to neutral
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
This evergreen shrub is a commonly known favourite especially in Britain and in milder parts of humid regions of Germany and Benelux. It has several names - spotted laurel, Japanese aucuba or Japanese laurel. The first specimen was brought from Japan to Europe in 1783, and has been sought after ever since for its unusual shape of foliage and beautiful variegation on some cultivars.
Description of the plant:
Sulphurea Marginata is a truly unique variety of Japanese spotted laurel. It is not so golden or yellow like most others, and even though its leaves do bear yellow shades in a large portion they look more subtle and elegant in spite of their huge size (up to 20x10 cm). They are evergreen, very glossy, medium green in the centre and change to pale green, chartreuse, yellow and even creamy or banana yellow at the very margins. The form of variegation is similar to that on coloured evergreen silverthorn (elaeagnus x ebbingei). Sulphurea Marginata grows slowly or moderately (20-25 cm per year), forming a dense shrub of equal height and width of slightly over one meter in C.E. climate. Usually considered a house plant it is suitable for outdoor growing, too, up to 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 part pun to light shade, and will also live happily in full shade while its variegation will not be as distinct. Sulphurea Marginata can take more sun than others, yet all-day sun is not recommended. It needs humus-rich, constantly moist but well-drained, preferably acid to neutral soil. Provide extra watering in frost-free periods of winter when the ground is not frozen. Hardy to min. -20°C, with protection to -24°C (USDA zone 6).
Last update 26-06-2019
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