How to Grow and Care for Japanese laurel

Japanese laurel, also known as Spotted laurel, Gold dust plant, Japanese aucuba

Japanese laurel is recognized for its low maintenance requirements and adaptability, making it an easy-care plant suitable for a range of gardeners. A special care point for japanese laurel is its preference for partial to full shade, making it ideal for shadier garden spots where other plants may struggle. Additionally, japanese laurel needs well-drained soil and should be protected from harsh winds. Avoid placing japanese laurel in overly sunny areas to prevent leaf scorch.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full shade

Toxic to Humans

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Planting and Growing Japanese laurel

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full shade
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	8-12
Toxicity	Toxic to Humans

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Varieties of Japanese laurel

Spotted laurel

Spotted laurel (Aucuba japonica 'Picturata') is so-named because picturata is Latin for painted and this striking hybrid has bright yellow leaf interiors that look like they have been added with a paintbrush. In contrast the parent plant features golden spots on its green leaves. This showy evergreen offers year-round color and is a versatile specimen, bed and border, hedging, or container plant.

Japanese laurel 'Pepperspot'

Japanese laurel 'Pepperspot' is an evergreen shrub from the Acuba genus that was specifically bred to be shade tolerant. It can be identified by its yellow-spotted leaves and red stems. People often use this plant as hedges around borders or in containers as an indoor hanging plant.

Japanese laurel 'Crotonifolia'

Japanese laurel 'Crotonifolia' is cultivated from the Aucuba genus and is easily distinguishable by the large patches of yellow variegation in the leaves. It looks similar to a Croton. The cultivar is a popular choice for a hedge in shady areas.

Japanese laurel 'Rozannie'

Japanese laurel 'Rozannie' is a Japanese laurel cultivar that looks somewhat similar to a holly plant. This variety sports dark green, very lustrous leaves that have rounded points along their edges and tips. In the fall, this plant produces bright red, showy clusters of berries, even when it hasn't been pollinated. This cultivar's hardiness and compactness mean it can be grown both in native soil and in containers, such as window boxes.

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The Toxicity of Japanese laurel

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More General Info About Japanese laurel

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Quickly Identify Japanese laurel

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Japanese laurel is distinguished by its lustrous, leathery, elliptical leaves that are oppositely arranged on the stem. The foliage, boasting an exotic variegated pattern, may exhibit entire or mildly toothed margins. These green stems bear witness to the striking contrast of persistent red to burgundy fruit, which adorns the shrub from autumn until spring, providing a vibrant display. The evergreen nature of japanese laurel ensures year-round visual interest in the landscape.