Aucuba japonica 'CROTONIFOLIA GOLD' spotted laurel, Japanese aucuba
Aucuba
This evergreen shrub is a commonly known favourite especially in Britain and in milder parts of humid regions of Germany and Benelux. The first specimen was brought from Japan to Europe in 1783, and has been sought after ever since for its unusual shape of foliage and beautiful variegation on some cultivars.Crotonifolia Gold is a spotted laurel variety selected from Crotonifolia. Its leaves are distinctly yellow spotted, new and top leaves are yellower than bottom and older leaves. They are extremely large for a hardy evergreen plant – usually 10-15, sometimes upto 20 cm long and 8-10 cm wide. Variegation differs from plant to plant. Crotonifolia is a female variety which can have quite attractive, large, red berries if pollinated by a male plant, e.g. aucuba japonica. Birds do not seem to like the berries very much.
Usually considered a house plant it is suitable for outdoor growing, too, upto USDA zone 6 (-24°C). If you wish to make sure the top of the plant will not be damaged in extreme winter frosts (below -20°C) cover the plant with white woven for the few coldest days of winter. Should the top leaves be burnt after winter, just get rid of them in the spring or prune the shrub to healthy (= green) tissue. The plant will readily regenerate from lower branches and will become even denser. Trimming or pruning is best done from April until end June latest.
It does best in part pun to light shade, and will also live happily in full shade while its variegation will not be as distinct. It needs humus-rich, constantly moist but well-drained, preferably acid to neutral soil. Provide extra watering in frost-free periods of winter when the ground is not frozen. Hardy to min. -20°C, with protection to -24°C (USDA zone 6).
Last update 21-02-2010
