Species

Aucuba japonicaJapanese Aucuba

13 other cultivars

shrub

Male Man Japanese Laurel

Aucuba japonica 'Male Man'

The Story

Plant Bio

Aucuba japonica 'Male Man' is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves and male flowers that appear in clusters, often used as a decorative and screening plant in shaded gardens.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vigorous growth and its prominent male flower clusters, which are highly attractive and useful for pollination in mixed plantings.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides evergreen foliage with striking variegation, adding year-round interest.

Drought tolerant once established, requires minimal pruning.

Supports local bird populations with its dense foliage.

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 moderate once established

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea

Toxicity

All parts are mildly toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Early spring – Late fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck well-draining soil around roots for stability.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Plant in partial shade for best foliage color.
Water deeply once a week during dry periods.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune in early spring to shape and remove dead wood.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist but not waterlogged, and provide partial shade for optimal foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Prune in early spring to shape
Mulch annually to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not expose to full sun which can scorch leaves
Avoid heavy fertilization in winter

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade-loving green hedgeUnderstory shrub in woodland garden

Companion Plants

Hellebore Ferns Hostas Japanese maples

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Male Man Japanese Laurel questions

What zones can Male Man Japanese Laurel grow in?

Male Man Japanese Laurel 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 Male Man Japanese Laurel deer resistant?

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

When does Male Man Japanese Laurel bloom?

Male Man Japanese Laurel 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 Male Man Japanese Laurel need full sun?

Male Man Japanese Laurel does best in part shade.

Is Male Man Japanese Laurel drought tolerant?

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