Species

Aucuba japonicaJapanese Aucuba

13 other cultivars

shrub

Picturata Aucuba

Aucuba japonica 'Picturata'

The Story

Plant Bio

Aucuba japonica, commonly known as Japanese Laurel, is a tough, adaptable evergreen shrub highly valued for its ability to thrive in deep shade. It typically has large, glossy leaves, and some varieties are prized for their variegation.

'Picturata' is a dramatic female cultivar featuring large, glossy leaves with a bold, golden-yellow center and a narrow, irregular green margin. This striking variegation provides a splash of bright color and a tropical feel to the darkest corners of the garden.

Uses & Benefits:

'Picturata' is a superb foliage plant that acts as a living spotlight in the shade garden. Its bold, gold-and-green leaves provide dramatic, year-round color and a lush, tropical texture that contrasts beautifully with fine-textured plants like ferns.

This is one of the most reliable and low-maintenance shrubs for difficult, dry shade conditions, such as under large trees or on the north side of a building. Once established, it is very drought, pollution, and salt tolerant.

If pollinated by a male Aucuba, it produces large, bright red berries in the fall that persist through winter, providing food for birds. The dense foliage offers shelter for wildlife.

SpeciesAucuba japonicaJapanese Aucuba

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

20+ years

Native To

Japan, China

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in partial to full shade with good drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Gently remove the plant and loosen the roots.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch to conserve moisture, but keep it away from the stems.

Pro Tip

To prevent the leaves from turning black and dying, avoid direct sun exposure at all costs; this is a true shade lover.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a shady spot.
Water regularly until established, then it becomes very drought tolerant.
Prune to shape and remove any plain green shoots that may appear.
Provide well-drained soil.

Don't

Don't plant in direct sun, which will scorch the leaves.
Avoid waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
Don't over-fertilize; it's not a heavy feeder.
Don't worry about deer; they usually leave it alone.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bold foliage accent for deep shade gardensBright understory planting beneath large treesLush and tropical-looking container specimen

Companion Plants

Hosta Fatsia japonica Mahonia bealei Dryopteris (Wood Fern)Sarcococca (Sweet Box)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Picturata Aucuba questions

What zones can Picturata Aucuba grow in?

Picturata 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 Picturata Aucuba deer resistant?

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

When does Picturata Aucuba bloom?

Picturata Aucuba 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 Picturata Aucuba need full sun?

Picturata Aucuba does best in part shade.

Is Picturata Aucuba drought tolerant?

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