Species

Aucuba japonicaJapanese Aucuba

17 other cultivars

shrub

Japanese Aucuba

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia'

The Story

Plant Bio

Aucuba japonica, commonly known as Japanese laurel, is a slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub native to moist woodlands and mountain forests of East Asia. It forms a dense, rounded framework of large, glossy, leathery leaves and produces small clusters of maroon flowers in spring, followed by red winter berries on female plants.

'Crotonifolia' is a female cultivar distinguished by its heavily variegated foliage, which is intensely splashed and mottled with bright yellow and gold blotches. This variegation is highly stable when propagated from stem cuttings and provides significant color in deep, dry shade where other gold-variegated plants fail.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure and bright golden-yellow variegation in deep shade gardens.

Highly tolerant of urban air pollution, dry shade near mature trees, and coastal salt spray.

Female plants produce bright red berries that serve as a winter food source for local birds.

SpeciesAucuba japonicaJapanese Aucuba

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144"

Width

144"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Japan, China, and Korea

Toxicity

Slightly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial to full shade, completely sheltered from hot, direct afternoon sun to prevent foliage burn.
Amend the planting area with organic matter to ensure excellent drainage, especially in heavy clay soils.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container.
Water deeply at planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season until the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Never shear this shrub annually or cut back into old, leafless wood; instead, selectively prune individual stems in late winter to preserve the natural rounded form and protect emerging flower buds on new wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
Provide deep shade or protection from intense afternoon sun.
Prune selectively in late winter or early spring on new wood.
Wear gloves when handling the plant if you have sensitive skin.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged, heavy, or boggy soils.
Do not shear the plant annually, which ruins its natural form.
Do not cut back hard into old, leafless wood.
Do not over-fertilize, as heavy feeding is unnecessary.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingShade GardenHedgeUnderstory PlantingCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Calycanthus floridus Hydrangea arborescens Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Aucuba questions

What zones can Japanese Aucuba grow in?

Japanese Aucuba is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Japanese Aucuba deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Japanese Aucuba, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Japanese Aucuba bloom?

Japanese Aucuba typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Japanese Aucuba need full sun?

Japanese Aucuba does best in part shade.

Is Japanese Aucuba drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Japanese Aucuba handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.