Also known as Japanese Laurel · 115 saves
Aucuba
Aucuba, the genus most gardeners know as japanese laurel. We track 15 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 14 most-saved Aucuba varieties
Browse all 15 Aucuba varieties →
Species of Aucuba
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Aucuba in Sow
Save the Aucuba you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Aucuba
Whats common across all Aucuba varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 15 most-grown of them.
The Aucuba year
- PruneFebruary and March93% of varieties
Shape lightly in late winter or early spring; remove damaged wood.
- FertilizeMarch93% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October53% of varieties
Plant or transplant in spring or early fall for best establishment.
- Check for PestsApril–July53% of varieties
Inspect for scale insects and spider mites, especially in dry conditions.
- MulchMarch47% 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 15 distinct Aucuba varieties. The most popular — ranked by 115 real gardeners — 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.