Species

Aucuba japonicaJapanese Aucuba

17 other cultivars

shrub

Japanese Laurel

Aucuba japonica 'Green'

The Story

Plant Bio

Aucuba japonica is a slow-growing, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native from southeastern China to East Asia and the Himalayas, where it inhabits shaded forest floors. It forms a dense, rounded framework of stout, waxy green stems bearing thick, leathery leaves with coarsely serrated upper margins and inconspicuous maroon spring flowers.

'Green' produces solid, rich medium to dark green foliage entirely lacking the yellow speckling or variegation typical of other selection types. New growth flushes bright glossy green before maturing to a deep, uniform shade that holds its color reliably throughout the winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure and glossy, deep green foliage in dense shade where few other broadleaf evergreens thrive.

Tolerates urban pollution, dry shade once established, and heavy coastal moisture.

Offers evergreen shelter and nesting habitat for songbirds, while female plants yield winter berries.

SpeciesAucuba japonicaJapanese Aucuba

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

94"

Width

94"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

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 moist, organically rich, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant so the top of the root crown sits flush with the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil amended with compost, firming gently to remove air pockets before watering thoroughly.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent crown decay.

Pro Tip

Plant in full to partial shade and protect from direct afternoon sun, which permanently scorches and blackens the broad leaves.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in deep or partial shade protected from harsh midday sun.
Ensure soil drains freely to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring before the new growth flushes.

Don't

Don't plant in full sun or hot western exposures.
Don't allow the roots to sit in soggy or waterlogged soil.
Don't hard-prune back into old, bare, leafless wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade GardenFoundation PlantingPrivacy ScreenContainerUrban Garden

Companion Plants

Heuchera Sarcococca Hosta Polystichum acrostichoides Acer palmatum

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 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Japanese Laurel deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Japanese Laurel, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

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.