Aucuba japonica Variegata- Spotted Laurel

Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' is a beautiful variety of Japanese Laurel, with a compact and rounded habit. Its foliage is strongly variegated and splashed with yellow on a green background. Its spring flowering is followed by the production of decorative red-orange fruits, but only in the presence of a male Japanese Aucuba nearby. This beautiful bush, which has very few requirements, is perfect for adding colour and light to shaded areas of the garden, and to east/northeast-facing facades. It can also be a focal point on a shaded terrace, planted in a large container.

Originally from the Far East, Japan, Taiwan and eastern China, Japanese Aucuba is a true shade and cool climate plant, belonging to the Garryaceae family. However, in its variegated forms, it prefers filtered sunlight, which is useful for the beauty of its foliage. A dense bush with a rounded habit and rather slow growth, 'Variegata' eventually forms a tall and wide bush of 1.75 m (5.7 ft), with superb evergreen foliage, which is dark green splashed with cream to bright yellow. The oval and elongated leaves measure 10 cm to 15 cm (3.9 in to 5.9 in) in length and 5 cm to 7 cm (2 in to 2.8 in) in width. They are thick, leathery and glossy, with a toothed margin towards the end. In late spring, it produces beautiful clusters of purplish flowers, hidden among the foliage. 'Variegata' is a female plant that will produce small bright red-orange fruits only in the presence of male plants nearby. These ovoid fruits, 2 cm (0.8 in) long, turn black in winter and are not edible for humans but are enjoyed by some birds in the cold season.

A shade and partial shade bush, Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' prefers fertile, slightly alkaline and moist soils, but can tolerate much less favourable growing conditions, including dry soil, which allows it to be acclimated in almost any garden. Easy to grow and perfectly hardy, it does not require any shaping pruning. Use it as a specimen plant, hedge or in the back of shaded borders, but also near an east or northeast-facing entrance. Plant it next to a hydrangea, a Mexican orange tree or a Nandina for a stunning display. If your terrace or balcony has a slightly shaded area, it can accommodate this beautiful aucuba that will provide a permanent decoration even in winter under a grey and low sky.