shrub RHS Award

Rozannie Japanese Aucuba

Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan, China

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested (berries)

The Story

Plant Bio

Aucuba japonica is a dense, rounded, evergreen shrub known for its tolerance of deep shade and difficult growing conditions. It has large, glossy leaves that provide year-round structure. 'Rozannie' is a compact, self-fertile cultivar, meaning it reliably produces showy red berries without needing a separate male pollinator. Its leaves are a solid, rich dark green, unlike the more common speckled varieties.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This shrub is a workhorse for deep shade, providing year-round structure with its bold, glossy evergreen foliage. The bright red berries of 'Rozannie' persist through fall and winter, offering a brilliant color contrast against the dark green leaves.

Its high tolerance for shade, drought (once established), and urban pollution makes it an excellent low-maintenance choice for foundation plantings, low hedges, or filling difficult, dark corners of the garden. Its compact size is suitable for smaller spaces and containers.

The large, persistent red berries provide a valuable winter food source for birds such as robins and cedar waxwings, helping to support local wildlife when other food is scarce.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in partial to full shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
Backfill with soil, firming gently around the base.
Water deeply after planting and mulch to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location protected from harsh winter winds and direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Water regularly during the first year to establish roots.
Plant in a shady location for best foliage quality.
Prune lightly in spring to maintain a dense, compact shape.

Don't

Don't plant in waterlogged or constantly wet soil.
Don't expose the plant to hot, direct afternoon sun.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which is generally unnecessary.
Don't allow winter winds to desiccate the evergreen foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Lustrous evergreen for deep shadeLow-maintenance foundation plantingSelf-fruiting specimen for winter berries

Companion Plants

Hosta Helleborus Mahonia Sarcococca Dryopteris erythrosora

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rozannie Japanese Aucuba questions

What zones can Rozannie Japanese Aucuba grow in?

Rozannie Japanese Aucuba 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 Rozannie Japanese Aucuba deer resistant?

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

When does Rozannie Japanese Aucuba bloom?

Rozannie Japanese 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 Rozannie Japanese Aucuba need full sun?

Rozannie Japanese Aucuba does best in part shade.

Is Rozannie Japanese Aucuba drought tolerant?

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