Aucuba japonica

Name: Aucuba japonica

Common name: Aucuba, Japanese acuba, Japanese laurel

Description: An evergreen shrub that grows well in deep shade. The glossy leaves may be bright green or variegated, depending on the cultivar. It grows 3-8 feet high and 3-4 feet wide. Female plants bear red berries in fall and winter. It’s drought tolerant once established.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10

Landscape use: Aucubas prefer a rich, sandy loam with some organic matter but they will adapt successfully to a heavier soil as long as drainage is good. They are best when used in mass, planted close together because they grow so slowly. Plant 2-3 feet apart for the best landscape effect. It’s also good in mixed containers or as an interiorscape plant.

Some cultivars: ‘Rozannie,’ ‘Serratifolia,’ ‘Picturata,’ ‘Limbata’ and ‘Mr. Goldstrike.’

Propagation: Cuttings
 

Source: University of Florida