Maintenance Landscaping Design

Japanese aucuba is an evergreen shrub that is native to eastern Asia. It is a popular plant in Japan, where it is often used as a hedging plant or as a groundcover. The japanese aucuba is also known as the spotted laurel, due to the distinctive variegated leaves that are covered in small white spots. The shrub can grow to a height of 3-4m and has small, greenish-yellow flowers that appear in the spring.

Alternative name

• Japanese aucuba
  
• Japanese laurel
  
• Harlequin plant
  
• Gold dust plant
  
• Croton

Good to Know

• Japanese aucuba is an evergreen shrub that is native to Japan.
  
• It is also known as spotted laurel, gold dust plant, or Japanese laurel.
  
• It can grow to be 6 to 10 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide.
  
• The leaves are dark green and have small yellow or white spots.
  
• The flowers are small and white and appear in the spring.
  
• The fruits are small, red, and berry-like.
  
• Japanese aucuba is tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions.
  
• It is resistant to deer and rabbits.
  
• It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering.
  
• It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange

Planting Process

1. For japanese aucuba, first step is to grow the plant in a location that offers partial to full sun. If you are growing the plant indoors, then place it near a south- or west-facing window.
   
2. The second step is to provide well-drained soil for the plant. You can grow japanese aucuba in both clay and sandy soils, but it must be well-drained.
   
3. The third step is to water the japanese aucuba regularly. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
   
4. The fourth step is to fertilize the plant monthly during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen.
   
5. The fifth step is to prune the plant as needed to shape it and to remove any dead or damaged branches.
   
6. The sixth step is to propagate japanese aucuba by rooting stem cuttings.
   
7. The seventh step is to watch for pests and diseases. Japanese aucuba is generally disease- and pest-free, but scale insects can be a problem.
   
8. The eighth step is to mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and control weeds.
   
9. The ninth step is to protect the plant from cold weather in the winter. If you are growing japanese aucuba outdoors, then it is hardy in USDA zones 7- If you are growing it indoors, then provide adequate ventilation and move it to a protected location if there is a risk of frost or freezing temperatures.
   
10. The tenth and final step is to enjoy your japanese aucuba plant!

Related plant:
Japanese Beautyberry

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Japanese aucuba grows in diverse soils, including fertile, well-drained loams and heavy clay soils that are not too dry. It also grows in poor, sandy soils and tolerates both acid and alkaline pH levels.

About light

Similar to other Japanese aucuba, this plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate low light but not darkness. If you want your Japanese aucuba to thrive, make sure it gets at least six hours of sunlight each day.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the Japanese aucuba is that it should be kept in a cool environment. This plant does not do well in hot or humid weather and should be kept out of direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. They can tolerate a certain amount of dryness, but will not do well in overly humid environments. If the air is too dry, the leaves will begin to turn brown and drop off.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a 2-3" layer of organic compost or manure. Be sure to work it in around the root ball, taking care not to damage any roots. If the plant is pot bound, you can also gently loosen the roots before adding the fertilizer.

About light

Pruning is a necessary part of caring for your Japanese aucuba. Pruning not only keeps the plant looking its best, but it also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. Cutting back the plant will also help to encourage new growth.

The Propagation

Propagation of Japanese aucuba is typically done through rooting of stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and be approximately 4-6 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from the middle of the stem to ensure that there are leaves present on the cutting. Cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the landscape.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate research has been inconclusive due to the difficulty in accurately measuring the growth of these plants. However, a few studies have been conducted and they suggest that the average growth rate of japanese aucuba is between 10 and 20 centimeters per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. These problems can be caused by too much or too little water, improper drainage, or poor air circulation. To help prevent these problems, water your plant at the base instead of from above, make sure the plant has good drainage, and keep the leaves dry.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to resize the holes in the pot to accommodate the roots.
  
• Place the pot in a location with filtered sunlight.
  
• Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
  
• Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.
  
• Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  
• Inspect the plant regularly for pests and diseases.
  
• Repot the plant every two years.
  
• Propagate the plant by taking stem cuttings.
  
• Overwinter the plant indoors in a cool, bright location.
  
• Bring the plant outdoors in the spring after the last frost date.

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Source:
Aucuba japonica 'Longifolia' | Nursery Crop Extension Research
Susie Harwood Garden | Aucuba japonica ‘Serratifolia’ #1
Aucuba japonica (Aucuba, Japanese Acuba, Japanese Laurel)