Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' - Variegated Spotted Laurel

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' - Premium Variegated Spotted Laurel for sale.

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. Available to buy at our nursery near Lancaster.

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 Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' 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.