Japanese Aucuba Subaru
Aucuba japonica 'Subaru'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Aucuba japonica 'Subaru' is an evergreen shrub featuring glossy, dark green, oval leaves with distinctive yellow speckling and small, inconspicuous flowers, producing vibrant red berries in winter. This cultivar is prized for its striking variegated foliage, which provides year-round visual interest, and its tolerance of shady, urban environments.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded spot with well-draining soil.
- Tuck seeds or plant cuttings in early spring for best results.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Mist cuttings frequently to encourage rooting.
- Apply mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- Transplant in early spring or fall for optimal establishment.
Pro Tip
Ensure shade and consistent moisture for healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during dry spells to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune lightly after winter to shape and remove dead branches
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Don’t over-fertilize; too much nitrogen can weaken the plant
- Don’t ignore drainage; waterlogged soil can cause root rot
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Japanese Aucuba Subaru questions
What zones can Japanese Aucuba Subaru grow in?
Japanese Aucuba Subaru is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. 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 Subaru deer resistant?
Yes — Japanese Aucuba Subaru is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Japanese Aucuba Subaru bloom?
Japanese Aucuba Subaru typically blooms in early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Japanese Aucuba Subaru need full sun?
Japanese Aucuba Subaru does best in part shade.
More Aucuba to compare
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Aucuba japonica 'Lemon Flare'
Tatsumaki Japanese Laurel
Aucuba japonica 'Tatsumaki'
Japanese Aucuba Sagama
Aucuba japonica 'Sagama'
Marmorata Japanese Laurel
Aucuba japonica 'Marmorata'
Keep exploring
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Grow Japanese Aucuba Subaru with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
