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AUCUBA
Commonly known as Japanese laurel, Spotted laurel
Genus of up to 10 species of tough, easily managed, evergreen, dioecious shrubs from the Himalayas to eastern Asia.
The common spotted laurel, japonica was introduced as a glasshouse specimen, a female, in 1783 and known as the "gold plant".
In 1861 plant hunter Robert Fortune located a male in Yokohama, brought it back to pollinate and the resultant red-berried shrub, exhibited at Kensington in 1864, caused a sensation.
Further Reading....
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EvergreenElliptic to ovate, glossy, mid-green leaves to 20cm (8in) long, usually with a few marginal teeth.
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Height3m (10ft)
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Spread3m (10ft)
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Tall ShrubRounded shrub. Produces small, red-purple flowers with yellow anthers in erect panicles to 10cm (4in) long
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Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Full shade
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Full sun
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Partial shadeFor best variegation
- Details
- Mature Size
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- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowIntroduced into UK by Robert Fortune in 1861.Pests & DiseasesNone.Place of originJapan.
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HardinessFully hardy
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Soil ConditionsTolerates allWill not tolerate boggy or waterlogged soil.
Aucuba japonica - Growing Guide
3m (10ft)
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3m (10ft) |
Buy Varieties of AUCUBA


AUCUBA japonica 'Crotonifolia'
Japanese laurel, Spotted laurel
best golden form (female form)

AUCUBA japonica 'Golden Spangles'
Japanese laurel, Spotted laurel
striking golden variegation (female form)


AUCUBA japonica 'Rozannie'
Japanese laurel, Spotted laurel
compact growing hermaphrodite variety with deep purple flowers and bright red long drooping berries

AUCUBA omeiensis
Chinese laurel
large multi-stemmed shrub with pale green serrated leaves
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00