Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Aucuba japonica or Japanese laurel

The Aucuba genus, family Garryaceae, comprises 10 species of shrubs native to Asia. Some species are: Aucuba japonica, Aucuba chinensis, Aucuba himalaica, Aucuba robusta.

Common names: Aucuba japonica, Japanese laurel, Spotted laurel, Japanese aucuba, Gold dust plant. This species is native to China, Korea, and Japan.

They are evergreen shrubs that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The decorative leaves are lanceolate in shape and bright green with yellowish spots. The flowers are insignificant. Red berries are very decorative.

These easily grown plants are used to form hedges and as isolated specimens. It is not recommended as a houseplant. They grow well in patios, decks, and balconies in large pots. They are ideal for cities due to their tolerance to contamination.

Aucuba japonica can grow in full sun, shade or half shade exposures. They resist cold but not frost.

An ideal soil is a mixture of one part peat and another part heather soil added to a garden substrate.

Irrigation must be frequent in summer; in winter very rare.

Prune lightly in late winter to keep compact.

From mid-spring to late summer, it is advisable to add a mineral fertilizer with irrigation every 15 days.

They are very resistant plants to pests and diseases.

They propagate by layering in spring or by semi-woody cuttings in summer.

Images of the shrub Aucuba japonica or Japanese laurel