Contents
Description
The Aucuba plant, also known as the Japanese laurel, is a genus of flowering plants primarily found in eastern Asia. This shrub is known for its large, glossy leaves with golden spots, making it a popular ornamental plant for gardens and indoor spaces. Aucubas are dioecious, meaning that they have separate male and female plants, and produce small clusters of red or purple berries on the female plants during autumn and winter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Garryales |
| Family | Garryaceae |
| Genus | Aucuba |
Appearance
Aucuba plants can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, with a rounded and dense growth habit. The leaves are large, leathery, and glossy, measuring 3 to 8 inches in length and 2 to 4 inches in width. The leaf color varies depending on the cultivar, ranging from solid green to yellow-green with golden spots. The male plants produce small clusters of yellow flowers in the spring, while the female plants produce clusters of red or purple berries in the fall and winter.
Care Guide
Aucuba plants are relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice among gardeners. Here are some tips for caring for your Aucuba:- Water: Aucuba plants prefer consistently moist soil, so make sure to water them regularly. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Feed your Aucuba plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.- Soil: Aucuba plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: Aucuba plants prefer partial to full shade, making them an ideal choice for shady areas in your garden.- Hardiness Zones: Aucuba plants are hardy in zones 6-10, and can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aucuba plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to the following:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Control with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing and premature leaf drop. Control with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Control with a fungicide.
Habitat
Aucuba plants are native to eastern Asia, including Japan, China, and Korea. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, mountain slopes, and riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Aucuba plants be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Aucuba plants can be grown indoors as long as they receive bright, indirect light.
Q: How often should I water my Aucuba plant?
A: Aucuba plants prefer consistently moist soil, so water them regularly and make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
Q: How big do Aucuba plants get?
A: Aucuba plants can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide if left unpruned.
Q: Can Aucuba plants be pruned?
A: Yes, Aucuba plants can be pruned in late winter or early spring to control their size and shape.
Related Plants
– Garrya- Ilex- Mahonia- Nandina- Pieris
References
– “Aucuba japonica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a725.- “Aucuba japonica.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/2047/aucuba-japonica/details. – “Aucuba japonica.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/growing-aucuba-plants-1402829.
