Japanese laurel (Aucuba japonica ) | Shrubs and Sub-shrubs | Plants

Japanese laurel

Aucuba japonica

Common Name: Japanese laurel
Genus: Aucuba
Species: japonica

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Category: Shrubs and Sub-shrubs

Height: 3.00 m (300 cm)
Spread: 3.00 m (300 cm)

Hardiness: Hardy
Growth Rate: Average
Flowering Period: April
Foliage Type: Evergreen
Foliage Colour: Green
Flower Colour: Purple, Red
Sun/Shade: Any sun level or shade
Soil Type: Normal/Loam or Sandy/Light or Clay/Heavy or Chalky/Alkaline
Soil Moisture: Dry, well drained or Moist, but well drained
Features: Makes a good hedge, Has interesting/colourful ornamental fruit

This resilient evergreen shrub has become popular because it will thrive in inhospitable shady areas of the garden where little else will grow. It is also low-maintenance. Coping well with dry shade, urban pollution and salt-laden air the spotted dark green pointed leaves make an excellent dense hedge for an urban or coastal site. Small clusters of insiginificant red-purple flowers are followed by bright red berries on female plants. Use it at the back of a mixed border to provide a foil for other more decorative plants.

Garden care: To promote bushy growth prune straggly branches in spring. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant after pruning.