Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba)

Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) close up with purple flower petals and thick green leaves
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) purple flower petals gathered among thick glossy green foliage stems

Botanical name: Aucuba japonica

Common names: Japanese Aucuba, Japanese Laurel

Family: Cornaceae

Origin: East Asia

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 6-10

Large shrub 5-10 ft tallPlant used for bonsaiPlant form: Large bush; suitable for bonsai
Plant mature sizeMature height: 5-10 ft
Semi-shadeShadeSun exposure: Semi-shade; shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Regular; moderate
Unusual colorFlower color: Unusual color
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ornamental foliageFoliage color: Ornamental foliage

This is a large evergreen shrub with a height ranging from 5-10 feet and is a native to East Asia. It can be used for creating bonsai and displays ornamental foliage that is usually a mix of yellow, green and white. This unusual colored foliage gives this plant its ornamental appeal. The plant requires regular water but is tolerant of drought or when the soil starts to dry out and requires moderate water overall. It is shade and semi-shade tolerant. It is also salt tolerant and even can survive in seaside locations.

When it comes to caring for this particular plant, it is important to note it is a relatively low maintenance plant. This plant grows best in USDA hardiness zone 6-10. When planting in a pot in cold regions, it is best to bring the pot indoors when freezing weather is expected. This is the best way to ensure protection from weather damage and the lower temperatures.


Image gallery: 16 images
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) green yellow speckled leaves plant filling entire image area
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) green yellow speckled leaves growing in dense foliage clumps
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) green leaves with yellow speckles in a close up view
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) leaves covered in yellow speckles on the deep green foliage
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) deep purple flower close up on green foliage background
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) with small purple flowers tucked among the dense green foliage.
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) close up with purple flower petals and yellow center.
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) purple petals on small flowers with tiny yellow centers.
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) close up with red fruit, tiny purple flower, green leaves.
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) showing glossy green leaves, small purple flower, and single red fruit.
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) green yellow leaves plant with speckled foliage in a close up
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) with green leaves marked by yellow speckles and tiny flower clusters
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) green and yellow variegated leaves on a dense bushy plant
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) thick evergreen foliage with small buds and glossy yellow and green colors.
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) green leaves with small red fruit on a plant branch
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) leaves are dense with small red fruit tucked among the foliage
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) with small purple flowers and wide glossy green leaves close up
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) small purple flower cluster emerging from thick glossy green serrated leaves
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) with shiny green leaves in a close up plant shot
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) displays thick glossy leaves with jagged edges and lighter new foliage growth
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) green leaves with red fruit and purple flowers close up.
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) leaves with red fruit and small purple flowers on the branches.
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) plant with many red fruit hanging from green foliage branches
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) with clusters of smooth red fruit nestled among pointed green leaves.
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) green and yellow speckled plant leaves in close up view
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) foliage with distinctive yellow speckles across the green leaf surface.
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) yellow green leaves on plant showing intricate speckled foliage close up
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) displaying yellow and green foliage with subtle speckled markings on stems
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) green white leaves with red fruit close up plant view
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) green white foliage with round red fruit in close up
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) plant with green leaves with yellow speckles and dark buds.
Aucuba japonica (Japanese Aucuba) plant with green foliage covered in yellow speckles and small buds.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/aucuba_japonica.htm
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