Also known as Japanese Laurel · 70 gardener saves
Aucuba: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Aucuba, the genus most gardeners know as japanese laurel. We track 14 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Aucuba varieties
Of 14 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedJapanese Laurel
Aucuba japonica 'Male Man'
#2 most savedGold-edged Japanese Laurel
Aucuba japonica 'Limbata'
#3 most savedLemon Flare Aucuba
Aucuba japonica 'Lemon Flare'
Japanese Aucuba Subaru
Aucuba japonica 'Subaru'
Tatsumaki Japanese Laurel
Aucuba japonica 'Tatsumaki'
Japanese Aucuba Sagama
Aucuba japonica 'Sagama'
Marmorata Japanese Laurel
Aucuba japonica 'Marmorata'
Japanese Laurel
Aucuba japonica 'Bored Female'
Mr. Gold Strike Spotted Laurel
Aucuba japonica 'Mr Gold Strike'
Gold Dust Plant
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'
Rozannie Japanese Aucuba
Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie'
Japanese Aucuba
Aucuba japonica 'Shilpot'
Browse all 14 Aucuba varieties →
How to grow Aucuba
What the Aucuba varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 14 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Aucuba year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Shape lightly in late winter or early spring; remove damaged wood.
- FertilizeMarch100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October57% of varieties
Plant or transplant in spring or early fall for best establishment.
- Check for PestsApril–July57% of varieties
Inspect for scale insects and spider mites, especially in dry conditions.
- MulchMarch50% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer to maintain cool, moist roots.
Do
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Water regularly but avoid waterlogging 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Avoid
- Avoid excessive sun exposure ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct, hot afternoon sun which will scorch the leaves.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Aucuba
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves and distorted growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale Insects | Small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves, sometimes with sticky honeydew. | Aucuba is fairly resistant, but if they appear, use a soft brush to remove them or spray with horticultural oil. |
| Mealybugs | White, cottony masses in leaf axils and on undersides. | Dab with rubbing alcohol. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for larger infestations. |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves, wilting, and mushy roots. | Improve soil drainage. Reduce watering. Remove and destroy heavily infected plants. Apply a fungicide drench. |
| Leaf Spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide if necessary |
Making more Aucuba
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist soil or propagation medium
- Keep soil moist and place in indirect light
- Roots develop in 6 weeks
cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer
- Cut 4-6 inch sections just below a node
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist potting mix and cover with plastic
- Keep in indirect light for 6 weeks until roots develop
Aucuba questions
How many types of Aucuba are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 14 distinct Aucuba varieties. The most popular — ranked by 70 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Aucuba grow in?
Across its varieties, Aucuba covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Aucuba bloom?
Most Aucuba varieties bloom in early spring, late spring, early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Aucuba should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Design with Aucuba in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
