Introducing...
Aucuba
Botanical name: Aucuba
Common name: Spotted or Japanese laurel
These evergreen shrubs are valued for their ability to thrive in difficult conditions, such as deep shade, where many other shrubs would suffer. Use them as foliage plants in borders with other shade-loving plants, as hedging or in large containers.
Looks
Rounded, bushy plants are covered in large, thick, glossy leaves. A number of cultivars have leaves splashed with irregular yellow spots and blotches or are variegated.
Likes
Aucuba will grow in most soils in partial to full shade, although they can also do well in sun.
Dislikes
Dislikes soils that are prone to staying wet. After cold and wet winters, the wetness around the roots can lead to blackening of the leaves and shoot tips.
Did you know?
Insignificant spring flowers are followed by shiny red berries on female plants as long as a male plant is growing close by. When buying, the labels should indicate if it is a male or female form. The more compact cultivar 'Rozannie' is said to be partly self-fertile and produces some berries on its own.
Growing guide
How to grow Aucuba
All the information you'll need to grow and care for Aucuba in your garden.
Aucuba we recommend
Aucuba japonica Pepper Pot ('Shilpot') (m/v)
Japanese laurel [Pepper Pot]
- 1–1.5 metres
- 1–1.5 metres
Aucuba japonica 'Golden King' (m/v)
Japanese laurel 'Golden King'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Aucuba japonica f. longifolia
long-leaved spotted laurel
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Aucuba japonica Pepper Pot ('Shilpot') (m/v)
Japanese laurel [Pepper Pot]
- 1–1.5 metres
- 1–1.5 metres
Aucuba japonica 'Golden King' (m/v)
Japanese laurel 'Golden King'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Aucuba japonica f. longifolia
long-leaved spotted laurel
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1.5–2.5 metres
Useful advice
Aucuba blackening
Buying: trees and shrubs
Shade gardening
Trees and shrubs: planting
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.