Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' (Spotted Laurel) * garden

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' , also known as 'Spotted Laurel' or Japanese aucuba, is an evergreen shrub in the Garryaceae family, prized for its variegated foliage and hardiness in harsh conditions. This cultivar is renowned for its glossy, green leaves with bright yellow spots, which bring light to shady gardens. It is ideal for hedges, borders, containers or as an accent plant, due to its decorative appearance and low maintenance.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are large, oval, with slightly serrated edges, 10-20 cm long, of a dark, glossy green, sprinkled with spots and splashes of golden yellow. The variegation is irregular, creating a vibrant visual effect, similar to croton, hence the name. The foliage remains attractive all year round, brightening up shady areas.
• Flowers : The flowers are small, purple, grouped in panicles, appear in spring (March-April) and are inconspicuous, without significant ornamental value. The plant is dioecious, having separate male and female specimens; the male flowers have yellow stamens, and the female ones can produce fruit if pollinated.
• Fruits : On pollinated female plants (in the presence of a male specimen), red, ovoid fruits of 1-2 cm appear, which persist from autumn to spring. The fruits are decorative, but toxic if ingested.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Reaches 1.5-2.5 m tall and 1.5-2 m wide, forming a dense, rounded shrub. In containers, it remains more compact.
• Vigor : Slow to moderate growth. It is a long-lived and stable plant once acclimatized in the garden.
• Type : Evergreen shrub with green, robust stems that become woody over time.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers partial shade or full shade, being one of the few plants that thrives in low light . Tolerates partial sun, but leaves may burn in intense direct sunlight. Ideal for shady areas of the garden.
• Soil : Grows in moist, well-drained soils, from clay to sandy, with an acidic to alkaline pH (5.5-7.5). Tolerates poor soils, but prefers fertile soils, enriched with compost.
• Watering : Water regularly for the first year, keeping the soil moist. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant, but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods. Avoid soggy soils.
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 6-10 (down to -20°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. In severe winters, protect the base of the plant with mulch, especially in areas exposed to blizzards/strong drafts.

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : Very resistant to shade, urban pollution, wind and poor soils. Tolerates pruning and is resistant to most pests and diseases. May be affected by mites or leaf spot in wet conditions; inspect regularly and treat with organic methods if necessary.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in the spring, once a year, to stimulate growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce variegation.
• Pruning : Prune in spring (March-April) to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches. Tolerates severe pruning for rejuvenation or shaping as a hedge. For fruiting, avoid pruning female specimens before flowering.
• Propagation : Propagate by semi-woody cuttings in summer or by seeds (if available), but cuttings are faster and more effective.
• Warning : The leaves and fruits are toxic if ingested, posing a danger to children and animals.

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' is ideal for shady gardens, low hedges, borders, containers or as an accent plant. The variegated foliage brightens dark areas, combining well with hosta, ferns or heuchera. It is suitable for urban gardens, due to its pollution tolerance, and for modern or traditional landscapes. The red fruits add interest in winter on the feminine plants. It can be used as a houseplant in bright but cool spaces.

Origin

Aucuba japonica is native to Japan, Korea, and China, where it grows in shady forests. The cultivar 'Crotonifolia' was selected for its golden yellow variegation, becoming popular in European and North American horticulture in the 19th century. It is one of the most widely cultivated varieties of aucuba due to its decorative appearance.

Height with pot included approx. 30 cm

2-3 plants/pot. Some specimens may also have defective leaves.