Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba) Aucuba japonica
Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba) (Aucuba japonica) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Garryaceae family, native to Japan, Korea and eastern China. It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Garryaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, Korea and eastern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: berries, leaves
Contains aucubin; eating berries or leaves can cause stomach upset.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba)
- How far apart should I plant Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba)?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba) flower?
- From about March for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Contains aucubin; eating berries or leaves can cause stomach upset.
- What grows well with Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spotted laurel (Japanese aucuba). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Big glossy leaves, often gold-speckled (‘Variegata’, ‘Crotonifolia’); copes with dry, deep shade under trees. Plant a male nearby for red berries on females.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Camellia Camellia japonica
- Gardenia Gardenia jasminoides
- Common lilac Syringa vulgaris