Species

Aucuba japonicaJapanese Aucuba

17 other cultivars

shrub

Japanese Laurel

Aucuba japonica 'Hosoba Hoshifu'

The Story

Plant Bio

Aucuba japonica is a dense, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to moist woodland understories and river valleys across temperate East Asia. It forms a rounded structure of glossy, leathery foliage and carries tiny maroon flowers in spring followed by bright red berries on female plants.

'Hosoba Hoshifu' is distinguished by its narrow, lance-shaped leaves heavily speckled with bright golden-yellow starry spots. This female clone maintains a refined four- to six-foot footprint and sets long-lasting red winter berries when grown near a male pollenizer.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking yellow-variegated narrow foliage lights up dark, shady garden corners year-round.

Highly tolerant of urban pollution, sea spray, and heavy shade beneath large trees.

Provides dense year-round shelter for songbirds, with winter berries serving as food.

SpeciesAucuba japonicaJapanese Aucuba

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72"

Width

72"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Temperate East Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in partial to full shade with well-drained, organic-rich soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal to its depth.
Backfill with soil, firming gently around the root ball to eliminate air pockets.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain steady soil moisture until established.
Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Plant in partial to deep shade to protect the variegated foliage from sunscorch, and ensure high soil permeability as waterlogged roots invite fatal Phytophthora infection.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in complete shade or morning sun only.
Ensure soil drains freely before planting.
Plant a male Aucuba nearby if red winter fruit is desired.

Don't

Do not expose foliage to direct afternoon sun.
Do not allow roots to sit in waterlogged or boggy soil.
Do not cut back severely into old, leafless wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade BorderWoodland GardenContainer AccentInformal Screen

Companion Plants

Heuchera Sarcococca Hosta Polystichum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Laurel questions

What zones can Japanese Laurel grow in?

Japanese Laurel is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Japanese Laurel deer resistant?

Yes — Japanese Laurel is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Japanese Laurel bloom?

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

Does Japanese Laurel need full sun?

Japanese Laurel does best in part shade.

Is Japanese Laurel drought tolerant?

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