Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' - Japanese Aucuba

Aucuba japonica Variegata is a great choice for even the shadiest of landscapes because it is extremely shade tolerant. It also grows well in partial sun. It grows to a form of a rounded, evergreen shrub. It has large, elliptic, glossy, yellow spotted, leathery leaves. Under dense trees, its roots compete successfully with other roots.

It also tolerates pollution and performs well in containers. In spring it bears small purple-red flowers, female plants produce red berries. In cooler climates, this plant can take more sun, but really shines in deep shade where most plants are known to decline. Its foliage is nice in flower arrangements. It is only winter-hardy to zone 6. Water during growing/blooming season, but do not make soil too soggy. Aucuba can also be used to create dense evergreen hedge. The hedges are to be pruned with secateurs in August. Aucuba can be used for hedges 1-2.5m high. Individual plants have to be planted 45-60cm apart. Freely growing shrubs reach 2.5m x 1.8m. Prune them in late winter or spring if you wish to restrict their growth