Japanese laurel (Aucuba japonica ) | Shrubs and Sub-shrubs | Plants

Japanese laurel

Aucuba japonica

Common Name: Japanese laurel
Genus: Aucuba
Species: japonica

Category: Shrubs and Sub-shrubs
Growth Rate: Average
Features: Makes a good hedge, Has interesting/colourful ornamental fruit

Hardiness: Hardy	Height: 3.00 m (300 cm)
Sun/Shade: Any sun level or shade	Spread: 3.00 m (300 cm)

Foliage Type: Evergreen	Flower Colour: Purple, Red
Foliage Colour: Green	Flowering Period: April

Soil Type: Normal/Loam or Sandy/Light or Clay/Heavy or Chalky/Alkaline
Soil Moisture: Dry, well drained or Moist, but well drained

This resilient evergreen shrub has become popular because it will thrive in inhospitable shady areas of the garden where little else will grow. It is also low-maintenance. Coping well with dry shade, urban pollution and salt-laden air the spotted dark green pointed leaves make an excellent dense hedge for an urban or coastal site. Small clusters of insiginificant red-purple flowers are followed by bright red berries on female plants. Use it at the back of a mixed border to provide a foil for other more decorative plants.

Garden care: To promote bushy growth prune straggly branches in spring. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant after pruning.