How to Grow Aucuba Rozannie - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Aucuba rozannie is a stunning houseplant that's easy to care for. It has beautiful variegated leaves and can even tolerate low light conditions.

How to Grow Aucuba Rozannie - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Variegated gold dust aucuba
  • Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'
  • Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia'
  • Aucuba japonica 'Rozan'
  • Aucuba japonica 'Picta'

Common Knowledge

  • Aucuba rozannie is an evergreen shrub that originates from East Asia.
  • It can grow up to 3 meters in height and has large, glossy leaves.
  • The shrub produces small, red berries which are poisonous to humans but enjoyed by birds.
  • Aucuba rozannie is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
  • It is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions.
  • The shrub can suffer from a number of pests and diseases, however, these are generally not serious threats.
  • Aucuba rozannie is known to be toxic to a number of animals, including dogs, cats and horses.
  • It is important to keep this shrub away from children and pets who may be tempted to eat the berries.
  • In some parts of the world, the shrub is considered an invasive species.
  • Aucuba rozannie is named after a French botanist, Pierre Antoine Rozier.

Related plant:
Aucuba Japonica Crotonifolia

How to Grow

  1. For aucuba rozannie, first step is to provide well-drained soil.
  2. Aucuba rozannie prefers full sun to partial shade.
  3. The next step is to plant the aucuba rozannie in early spring.
  4. Water the plant regularly.
  5. Fertilize the aucuba rozannie monthly.
  6. Prune the aucuba rozannie as needed.
  7. The aucuba rozannie is susceptible to pests and diseases, so watch out for these.
  8. Harvest the aucuba rozannie in late fall.
  9. Store the aucuba rozannie in a cool, dry place.
  10. The aucuba rozannie can be propagated by division or cuttings.

Related plant:
Aucuba Japonica

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Aucuba rozannie prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, and can tolerate part shade to full shade. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is very tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed.

Light condition

Just like other types of aucuba, the Rozannie cultivar requires some sun to bring out its best coloration in the leaves. Too much sun, however, will scorch the leaves and cause them to drop. For this reason, it is best to plant Rozannie aucuba in an area that receives dappled sunlight or filtered sun for a portion of the day.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for aucuba rozannie is cool to warm temperatures. They can tolerate some cold, but not freezing temperatures. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and do not like direct sun. They also like humidity, so a room with a bathroom or kitchen is ideal. If the temperature gets too hot, they will start to drop leaves.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate low light. These plants are known to be fairly drought tolerant, however, they will benefit from being misted every so often. Allow the top couple inches of soil to dry out in between waterings.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this plant does best with a low nitrogen fertilizer such as a 5-10-5. Apply the fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer. Be sure to water the plant well after applying the fertilizer. As for the roots, this plant is shallow-rooted and does best in moist, well-drained soils.

About light

Pruning is a crucial part of maintaining your Aucuba rozannie. Without regular pruning, your plant will become overgrown and unmanageable. Luckily, Aucuba rozannie is a very forgiving plant and can tolerate heavy pruning. In fact, many gardeners recommend pruning this plant quite aggressively to encourage new growth. When pruning your Aucuba rozannie, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make sure to make your cuts at a 45 degree angle, cutting just above a node. You can prune your plant as often as needed to keep it under control. Just be sure not to prune more than one-third of the plant at a time.

About Propagating

Propagation is best achieved through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from young, vigorous shoots that are around 10-15cm (4-6in) in length. Use a sharp knife or secateurs to make a clean cut just below a leaf node, then remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the cutting into hormone rooting powder and insert it into a pot of moistened propagating compost. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or propagator lid to maintain high humidity. Keep the pot at a constant temperature of 21-24C (70-75F) until rooted cuttings are produced, which should be within 4-6 weeks. Once the new plants are well rooted, pot them on into individual pots and grow them on in a cool, light position. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days before planting them out into their permanent positions in late summer or early autumn.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is in full sun to partial shade, with the best growth in partial sun. They prefer moist, well-drained soil but will tolerate some drought once established. This shrub can be propagated by seed, softwood or hardwood cuttings, or layering.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. These problems are caused by fungi and bacteria that are present in the soil and air. They can be controlled by using fungicides and bactericides.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your Aucuba regularly, as it is a thirsty plant.
  • Place your Aucuba in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
  • Fertilize your Aucuba every few weeks during the growing season.
  • Prune your Aucuba as needed to maintain its shape.
  • Keep an eye out for pests, especially scale insects.
  • Bring your Aucuba indoors during the winter months.
  • Repot your Aucuba every few years to keep it healthy.
  • If you want to propagate your Aucuba, do so in the spring.
  • Keep an eye on the soil moisture level, as Aucuba does not like to be too wet or too dry.
  • Enjoy your beautiful Aucuba plant!

You May Like

  • Aucuba javanica (Javanese aucuba)
  • Aucuba himalaica (Himalayan aucuba)
  • Aucuba lindleyana(Lindley aucuba)
  • Aucuba rufa (Japanese aucuba)
  • Aucuba longifolia (Manchurian aucuba)
  • Aucuba sieboldii (Siebold aucuba)
  • Aucuba wilsonii (Wilson aucuba)
  • Aucuba chinensis (Chinese aucuba)
  • Aucuba japonica (Japanese aucuba)
  • Aucuba rubella (Red aucuba)

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Aucuba—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Kialo Edu - The tool to teach critical thinking and rational debate
CaliforniaColleges.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category