Aucuba japonica

Family (Cornaceae)

This large evergreen shrub from Japan is among the easiest grown shrubs.  It is an upright and branching shrub and is bright green and glossy.  It has a medium growth rate  and grows to 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide.  The leaves are large, lanceolate, dark green and glossy with yellow splotches.  They are 3 to 8 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide.  The flowers are monoecious.  This shrub can tolerate -13 degrees Fahrenheit. Any damage will be caused by wind.  The Japanese Aucuba only has fruit if both male and female plants are together.  This shrub is a good source of color in dark areas.  It is used massed or singly.

The Japanese Aucuba can tolerate almost any soil.  It grows best in full shade and will turn black if exposed to midday sun. 

This shrub can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in mid to late summer.  Purchase container grown; generally lacks pest problems.  Physiological disorder shows black blotches due to unsuitable soil or sun.  Plant in September and October or March and April.