How to Grow Aucuba Japonica Rozannie - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Aucuba japonica rozannie is a low-maintenance, shade-loving shrub that is perfect for gardeners who want to add a touch of color to their landscape without spending a lot of time or money on upkeep. This tough little plant can tolerate a wide range of conditions, from full sun to deep shade, and is resistant to deer, drought, and most pests and diseases. Although it is not a fast grower, aucuba japonica rozannie can reach up to 6 feet tall and wide, making it a good choice for filling in empty spaces in the garden. Its glossy green leaves are adorned with splashes of yellow, red, or orange, and its small, red berries are a favorite of birds.

How to Grow Aucuba Japonica Rozannie - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie'
  • Japanese aucuba
  • Japanese spotted laurel
  • Japanese laurel
  • Japanese spotleaf

Common Knowledge

  • Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie' is a popular ornamental plant that is grown for its attractive, variegated foliage.
  • It is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can reach up to 3 m in height.
  • The leaves of 'Rozannie' are dark green in colour with yellow or white spots.
  • This plant is native to Japan and was introduced to Europe in the 18th century.
  • It is tolerant of shade and can grow in both sunny and shady locations.
  • 'Rozannie' is resistant to most pests and diseases.
  • It is an easy plant to care for and does not require much maintenance.
  • This shrub can be pruned to shape it if necessary.
  • It can be propagated from stem cuttings or by division.
  • Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie' makes an excellent ornamental plant for gardens and borders.

Related plant:
Aucuba Japonica Crotonifolia

Planting Process

  1. For aucuba japonica rozannie, first step is to find a planting location. It is best to find an area that receives partial to full sun. Aucuba japonica rozannie can also tolerate partial shade, but it may not flower as well in those conditions.
  2. The next step is to prepare the planting area. This means removing any weeds or other vegetation that may compete with the aucuba japonica rozannie for resources. It is also important to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches (30 cm).
  3. Once the planting area is prepared, you can plant the aucuba japonica rozannie. It is best to plant the shrub in early spring, before new growth begins.
  4. When planting, be sure to space the shrubs at least 3 to 4 feet (91 to 122 cm) apart. This will give each plant enough room to grow.
  5. After planting, water the shrubs deeply.
  6. Once the aucuba japonica rozannie are established, they will need very little water. They are quite drought tolerant.
  7. Fertilize the shrubs in early spring, using a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Aucuba japonica rozannie do not require pruning, but you can trim them if you wish to keep them shaped.
  9. These shrubs are quite tolerant of urban pollution, making them a good choice for city gardens.
  10. The final step is to sit back and enjoy your aucuba japonica rozannie!

Related plant:
Aucuba Crotonifolia

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie' prefers humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil in partial to full shade, but it is quite tolerant of sun or shade, and any reasonable soil except very wet or dry ones. It also tolerates urban pollution.

Light requirement

Just like other Aucuba species, Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie' prefers full sun to partial shade in order to prevent its leaves from scorching. It is best to plant this shrub in an area of the garden that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or filtered sun throughout the day. If possible, protect it from hot afternoon sun, especially in the summer months.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie' is ideal for growing in slightly warmer areas that experience little to no frost. This tough shrub can also withstand brief periods of freezing weather and still maintain its beautiful foliage. However, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the leaves and cause them to drop off. When grown in cooler climates, it is important to provide some protection from the cold, such as planting it in a sheltered location or using a burlap wrap.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, around 60-70%, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant need acidic soil to grow well. In order to provide the necessary environment, you can use some organic matter such as pine needles or peat moss. After that, pour water into the soil and mix it well. It is also necessary to provide good drainage for the plant. For the root, it is important to keep the root ball moist but not soggy.

About light

Pruning is an important part of maintaining your aucuba japonica rozannie. Pruning helps to promote new growth, and can also help to control the shape and size of the plant. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

About Propagating

Propagation : Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie' can be easily propagated by seed or stem cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained seed-starting mix and keep them moist. Seedlings will emerge in 14-21 days. To propagate by stem cuttings, take 6-8" cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and they should root in 4-6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is normal to rapid in direct sunlight and can tolerate lower light levels. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but is somewhat drought tolerant once established. The plant is an evergreen shrub and will keep its leaves year-round. It can reach a height of 10-15 feet and a width of 6-8 feet.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are brown or black spots on the leaves, aphids, and caterpillars. These problems can be treated with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. If the problem is severe, you may need to contact a professional.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your Aucuba japonica Rozannie regularly. It is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs regular watering, especially when it is young.
  • Aucuba japonica Rozannie grows best in full sun to partial shade.
  • Aucuba japonica Rozannie is a slow-growing plant. Do not be discouraged if it takes a while for it to reach its full size.
  • Fertilize your Aucuba japonica Rozannie every few months to keep it healthy.
  • Prune your Aucuba japonica Rozannie regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it from getting too leggy.
  • Aucuba japonica Rozannie is susceptible to a variety of pests, including scale, aphids, and mealybugs. Keep an eye out for these pests and treat them promptly if you see them.

Similar Plants

  • Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia'
  • Aucuba japonica 'Maculata' (Spotted Laurel)
  • Aucuba japonica 'Albomaculata'
  • Aucuba japonica 'Crocidolomia'
  • Aucuba japonica 'latifolia' (Largeleaf Golden Aucuba)
  • Aucuba japonica 'Nana' (Dwarf Laurel)
  • Aucuba japonica 'Orientalis'
  • Aucuba japonica 'Parvifolia'
  • Aucuba japonica 'Plena' (Fullleaf Aucuba)
  • Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' (Variegated Laurel)

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Aucuba—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Aucuba japonica 'Longifolia' | Nursery Crop Extension Research
Aucuba japonica “Variegata,” Aucuba, Gold Dust Plant

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category