Aucuba / RHS Plant Guide

Aucuba

RHS Genus Guide

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.

Botanical name: Aucuba

Common name: Spotted or Japanese laurel

RHS / Joanna Kossak

Appearance

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.

Preferences

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.

RHS Growing Guide