Aucuba japonica 'Arashiyama'
shrub

Aucuba japonica

Aucuba japonica 'Arashiyama'

The Story

Plant Bio

Aucuba japonica 'Arashiyama' is an evergreen shrub distinguished by its glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves with variegated yellow margins. It produces small, inconspicuous purple flowers in the spring.

This cultivar is notable for its striking variegation and its ability to tolerate shade and pollution, making it ideal for shaded gardens and urban landscapes.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesAucuba japonica Arashiyama offers year-round lush green foliage with striking variegation, ideal for shaded landscapes.
Practical UsesProvides dense privacy screens and windbreaks in shady areas.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local pollinators with its evergreen foliage and habitat.
SpeciesAucuba japonicaJapanese Aucuba

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers humid environments

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a shaded location with well-draining soil for planting.
  2. Tuck seedlings or cuttings into moist soil, ensuring roots are covered.
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
  4. Water deeply once a week, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
  5. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
  6. Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged leaves.

Pro Tip

Use organic compost to enrich soil and promote lush foliage growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide filtered shade to prevent leaf scorch 🌱
  • Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist
  • Prune to maintain shape and remove dead leaves
  • Mulch around base to retain moisture

Don't

  • Avoid direct harsh sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
  • Do not overwater, as it can lead to root rot
  • Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in the season
  • Avoid disturbing roots during pruning

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shady garden border with lush green foliageEvergreen hedge for privacyDecorative understory beneath taller trees

Companion Plants

HostaFerns AstilbeJapanese maple Hellebore

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

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Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Grow Aucuba japonica with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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