Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' (Spotted Laurel) – Evergreen Shrub (2L Pot)

An evergreen for the shadiest corner, with glossy dark leaves speckled in gold that hold their colour through the year.

'Variegata' is the classic spotted laurel, growing into a dense, rounded shrub of around 2m to 3m tall and wide. Small reddish purple flowers appear in March and April. This is a female cultivar, so it carries bright red berries from autumn into winter where a male aucuba grows nearby, and the berries bring birds into the garden.

Aucuba is one of the few shrubs that genuinely tolerates deep shade, dry soil, pollution and salt wind all at once, which makes it a sound choice for a north facing border, a shaded town garden or an exposed coastal site. It takes sun too where the soil stays moist, though strong midday sun can scorch the leaves, so shade keeps the colour best. Once established it asks for very little beyond an occasional prune in spring. All parts of the plant contain aucubin and are poisonous if eaten.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Spotted laurel, Japanese laurel
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 2m to 3m tall and wide
• Growth Habit: Bushy, dense, rounded evergreen shrub
• Perfect For: Shaded and north facing borders, woodland planting, informal hedging, containers, town and coastal gardens
• Foliage: Glossy dark green leaves speckled with golden yellow, held all year
• Flowering Time: Spring, in March and April, with small reddish purple flowers. Red berries follow from autumn into winter where a male plant grows nearby.
• Planting Position: Full sun to full shade, including dry shade. Takes salt wind and pollution. Grows well in a large container.
• Soil Type: Moist, well drained soil. It tolerates most soil types.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy across Britain (RHS H5)
• Maintenance: Low. Prune lightly in spring if you want to keep it smaller.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, summer, autumn and winter
• Type: Hardy evergreen shrub