Aucuba japonica 'Dentata' (f)
Japanese laurel 'Dentata'
An evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy, toothed foliage. Females produce terminal panicles of purple flowers in mid spring followed by red berries the following winter, once the flowers are pollinated
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Purple | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green | Red |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a shady location in fertile, moist but well drained soil. Will grow well in all but waterlogged soils
Propagation
Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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.