Aucuba: Planting, Pruning and Care

Description and botany

The Aucuba or Aucuba japonica, also called Japanese Laurel, belongs to the Cornaceae family like its cousin the dogwood. It is an evergreen shrub native to the undergrowth of the Far East; from Japan, the Himalayas and China. The genus includes only 3 or 4 species, all dioecious; only female plants bear fruit, provided they are placed near a male plant.

Only the species Aucuba japonica is cultivated in our regions. It has given rise to numerous cultivars which are mainly distinguished by the colour of their foliage, sometimes variegated, sometimes speckled with white or yellow, and by their mature size. This dense shrub with a rounded, more or less compact habit has normal to slow growth. While Aucuba japonica can reach 5 m in height in its natural habitat, in our climates its size is more modest. It will eventually form a bush not exceeding 3 m in height with a spread of about 2 m.

It tends to sucker and layer naturally, giving this shrub a good ground cover at maturity.

The Japanese Aucuba is distinguished by its remarkably bright, broad evergreen foliage that illuminates the garden all year round. The large elliptical to oval leaves measure from 10 to 25 cm in length. Leathery, thick and glossy, they are arranged in pairs and usually serrated at the edges. Medium to dark green, like the Aucuba japonica ‘Rozannie’ with plain foliage, or ‘Longifolia’ with narrow, elongated leaves. They are often abundantly variegated or spotted with cream to bright yellow depending on the variety. The Aucuba japonica ‘Sulfurea Marginata’ has beautiful yellow-margined foliage.

Speckled foliage of some aucubas.

In late spring, in April-May, beautiful clusters of small purple-red flowers appear, hidden by the foliage. Grouped in 10 cm long panicles, the flowers consist of four oval petals.

Provided there are male and female plants side by side, they will give way in late summer to early autumn, on female aucubas only, to pretty clusters of bright red berries, gradually turning black. Ovoid, they measure 1 to 2 cm in diameter and will persist on the shrub all winter until spring. Non-edible and toxic to humans, these drupes will however delight some birds in the bad season. Male plants bear yellow anthers.

Very hardy (-15°C), robust, resistant to drought, diseases, pollution, as well as winds and sea spray, the Aucuba is a very easy shrub to grow throughout France. The Japanese Laurel grows in any ordinary, well-drained soil and thrives in shady or semi-shady positions. Variegated varieties prefer partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Its evergreen, decorative foliage and great adaptability have made this shrub, very frequently planted in parks and gardens in urban areas, a centrepiece for hedges, but it is also valuable for brightening up dark spaces such as the back of shady shrub borders, and can be planted alone on a lawn, grown in containers on a terrace, balcony and even indoors.

The flowering of aucubas.

Main species and varieties

Most popular

Our favourites

Aucuba japonica

This is the standard species. Appreciated for its thick, glossy evergreen foliage, this Aucuba will find its place in all gardens, as well as on sheltered terraces away from direct sunlight - much to the delight of city dwellers!

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Aucuba japonica Golden King- Spotted Laurel

It stands out with its original foliage - dark green abundantly splashed with yellow, remaining evergreen throughout the year. Perfect for bringing colour and light to shady garden areas and north-facing facades.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 1,80 m

See the product sheet

Aucuba japonica Crotonifolia- Spotted Laurel

A classic that brightens up shady corners! This variety includes both female and male specimens.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 1,80 m

See the product sheet

Aucuba japonica Variegata- Spotted Laurel

Its evergreen foliage, green speckled with creamy yellow, brings wonderful luminosity to dark garden areas, whether in hedges or at the back of shady borders.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 1,75 m

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to Plant Aucuba

The Aucuba japonica thrives throughout France. Highly hardy, it can withstand very low temperatures down to -15°C, ensuring excellent hardiness in all regions. Its thick, evergreen foliage tolerates urban pollution and sea spray well, making it an ideal choice for city gardens where it is widely planted, as well as coastal areas. Aucuba doesn’t need much sunlight to grow and prefers a dappled, shaded, or semi-shaded exposure to flourish.

In Mediterranean climates, it’s best to plant it in shade, especially for variegated varieties, which are more sensitive to direct sun.

Once established, Aucuba can withstand short periods of drought and heat. As for soil, it is undemanding and adapts to any well-drained ordinary garden soil, though it will appreciate rich, acidic, and moist soils—provided they are never waterlogged.

Tolerant of pruning, Aucuba is the quintessential evergreen hedge shrub for all gardens, whether urban or rural. It is one of the most commonly used shrubs in cities for creating privacy screens, trimmed hedges, or low or tall hedges. As a low hedge, it shields from unwanted views, while as a tall hedge, it forms an excellent windbreak. It can also be used as a standalone specimen on a lawn or left untrimmed at the back of a shaded shrub border.

With its dense foliage, it provides a bit of privacy in shaded porches, balconies, terraces, or even courtyards and patios.

When to Plant Japanese Laurel

Planting Aucuba is best done in spring (March–April), at the latest until May, or in autumn (September–October) to encourage rooting before winter.

You can reasonably plant until November, avoiding periods of severe frost and extreme heat. In southern France, it can be planted year-round.

How to Plant Aucuba Japonica

In the ground

It prefers fresh but well-drained soil where water doesn’t stagnate, especially in winter.

For hedges, depending on the variety, space plants about 0.80 to 1 m apart.

• Soak the root ball in a basin of water for 30 minutes
• Clear the soil of stones, roots, and weeds
• Loosen the soil well
• Plant your Aucuba in a hole 2 to 3 times larger than the root ball
• In heavy, damp soil, add a generous layer of pumice or gravel at the bottom of the planting hole to lighten the soil
• Enrich half the soil with a mix of horticultural compost and organic fertiliser or compost
• Plant the shrub at root level
• Backfill the hole while keeping the shrub upright
• Firm the soil around the base
• Water generously and mulch
• Water regularly during the first year after planting

In pots

The substrate must be very well-draining to prevent moisture from stagnating around the roots.

• At the bottom of a 20–30 cm diameter container, spread a thick layer of drainage (gravel or clay pebbles)
• Plant in a good shrub compost mixed with peat and fine perlite
• Place your pot indoors or on a sheltered terrace away from direct sun
• In summer, water regularly to keep the root ball moist
• In winter, let the soil dry out between waterings
• Apply organic fertiliser during the growing season

→ Read also: Growing Aucuba in a Pot.

The stunning foliage of Aucuba japonica ‘Sulphurea Marginata’ brightens up shaded corners.

Maintenance

Aucuba requires minimal care and maintenance. Simply monitor its water needs during summer. During the growing season in the garden, water twice a week. For the rest of the year, Aucuba will practically look after itself. When planted in the ground, fertilisation is unnecessary.

For potted Aucuba, add a liquid fertiliser once a month during summer to enhance its growth. Water sparingly in winter. Allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings.

When and how to prune an Aucuba?

Pruning Aucuba is not essential except for specimens used in hedges. It should be done in late winter, between February and April. If you prune in autumn, you’ll miss out on its highly decorative berries that persist on female shrubs throughout winter.

• For standalone aucubas, a refreshing prune in spring is sufficient to rebalance or reduce the shrub’s framework: using secateurs, remove dead or weak wood that disrupts the plant’s shape, along with any crossing branches to improve air circulation. This pruning isn’t necessary every year.
• For hedge specimens, pruning may be more regular. Use electric or petrol hedge trimmers for comfort and trim branch tips once or twice annually. To reduce spread or reshape an overly sparse plant, you can hard prune the Aucuba back to 30-40cm from ground level.

Bright red berries of a female aucuba.

Diseases and potential pests

The Aucuba has no known pests and is particularly resistant to diseases and parasites. It only fears one thing: waterlogged soil, especially in winter. In poorly drained soil, its leaves may start to fall. Water more sparingly in winter.

If the Aucuba’s leaves turn completely black, it’s likely getting too much sun. Position it in a slightly shaded spot, sheltered from direct sunlight, especially in regions with hot summers.

In case of aphid infestation, which can occasionally occur, treat with soapy water.

→ Learn more in our advice sheet: How to protect your Aucuba from diseases and parasites?

Propagation: How to Take Cuttings from Aucuba

Aucuba propagates easily from cuttings. Sowing is possible but remains a lengthy and uncertain propagation method.

Semi-ripe cuttings

Carry out in summer, between mid-July and September.

• Using secateurs, take 10-15 cm stem cuttings just below a node, with a semi-ripe base (partially hardened and woody)
• Remove leaves from the lower part of the stem, keeping those at the tip
• Dip the base in rooting hormone
• Plant the cuttings in a tray, spaced 10 cm apart, in a well-draining mix of river sand and potting compost
• Place under a cold frame or plastic film
• Maintain at around 20°C in moist substrate until rooted
• Once well-rooted, carefully separate the cuttings and pot them individually in containers filled with potting compost
• Keep frost-free throughout winter
• Transplant into open ground the following spring

→ Learn more about propagating Aucuba in Ingrid’s tutorial!

Pairing

Aucuba is the must-have shrub for our gardens, brightening them up all year round with its lovely variegated evergreen leaves and vibrant red berries throughout winter. It will provide a permanently cheerful display.

A centrepiece for hedges and essential in urban gardens, it adapts to all uses: as a backdrop for shrub borders, as edging for low-growing varieties, as a standalone feature, or even in containers on terraces or patios.

It pairs beautifully with a multitude of plants that will need to compete with its glossy, evergreen foliage.

In an evergreen hedge, it harmonises perfectly with Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus Rotundifolia), Portuguese Laurel, Hinoki Cypress, or Photinia.

In a mixed hedge or as a backdrop for shrub borders, it will stand out when combined with other evergreens such as Elaeagnus ebbingei, Viburnum tinus, Rhamnus alaternus, Arbutus unedo, Escallonia rubra ‘Crimson Spire’, or Euonymus japonicus ‘Aureomarginatus’.

It creates striking contrasts with berberis or even bush or groundcover roses. In shady spots, it pairs wonderfully with perennials like Japanese Anemones, Heucheras, Dicentra spectabilis Goldheart®, bergenias, hostas, and ferns.

You can also pair it with daffodil and tulip bulbs to accentuate its foliage in spring.

In Japan, aucuba is often planted in tea gardens reserved for tea ceremonies. It blends beautifully with bamboos, such as Pseudosasa japonica, or with Japanese forest grass and Mahonias for an exotic atmosphere.

Pseudosasa japonica bamboo, Aucuba japonica crotonifolia, Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ and Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’

It will add density and brightness to a partially shaded terrace or entrance when planted alongside hydrangeas, Mexican orange blossom, or Nandina.

→ Discover more plant pairing ideas with Aucuba in our advice sheet!