Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' - Variegated Spotted Laurel
Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' - Variegated Spotted Laurel
Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' – Premium Variegated Spotted Laurel
Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' is a striking evergreen shrub renowned for its bold, glossy leaves heavily splashed with golden-yellow variegation. This robust, shade-tolerant plant brings year-round colour and structure to difficult areas where few other plants thrive, making it invaluable for shaded gardens and urban landscapes.
Key Features
- Bold glossy leaves with striking golden-yellow variegation
- Thrives in deep shade where most plants struggle
- Female plants produce attractive red berries in autumn and winter
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and colour
- Extremely hardy and tolerant of pollution and coastal conditions
- Low maintenance, reaching 2–3m at maturity
Planting & Care
Plant in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Tolerates a wide range of conditions including heavy clay, dry shade, and urban pollution. Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in spring to maintain shape and size, removing any all-green reverted shoots to preserve variegation.
Ideal Uses
Perfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens, north-facing walls, and urban courtyards. Its bold variegated foliage and shade tolerance make it particularly valuable for brightening dark corners, under tree canopies, and in heavily shaded areas. Ideal for container planting, low hedging, and as an architectural evergreen in commercial landscapes and developments.
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Planting Instructions
Plant in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Tolerates heavy clay, dry shade, and urban pollution. Avoid waterlogged ground and full sun, which can scorch the variegated leaves.
Water regularly during the first growing season. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in spring to maintain shape, removing any all-green reverted shoots to preserve the variegation. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring.
Size & Specification
Supplied in a 2 litre pot. Slow to moderate growing — ultimate height and spread 2–3m. Fully evergreen. Extremely hardy (RHS H5). Well-rooted pot-grown stock for reliable establishment.
Delivery & Dispatch
Dispatched within 3–5 working days. Plants are carefully packaged to protect foliage and roots during transit and sent via overnight courier to mainland UK addresses. Please ensure someone is available to receive the delivery.
Wildlife & Ecological Notes
Female plants of Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' produce bright red berries in autumn and winter which are taken by blackbirds and other thrushes. The dense evergreen canopy provides excellent year-round shelter and nesting cover for garden birds. A valuable plant for shaded urban gardens where wildlife habitat is otherwise limited.