Aucuba japonica
Japanese laurel
A bushy, rounded, evergreen shrub up to 3m high and wide, with thick, oval, glossy leaves. Small, red-purple flowers in spring are followed, on female plants, by clusters of red autumn berries provided there is a male plant nearby to provide pollen
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green | Red |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Garryaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit is ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit is ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Aucuba are dioecious evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves, attractively variegated in many cultivars, and small purple flowers followed on female plants by large glossy red fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temperate E Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in almost any soil or situation except soil prone to waterlogging, tolerating full shade, dry soil, pollution and salt wind
Propagation
Propagate by taking semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1; trim hedges in spring; shrubs may be renovated by hard pruning in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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