Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' – A Bold and Elegant Evergreen Shrub with Stunning Foliage
Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia', commonly known as Spotted Laurel, is a visually striking evergreen shrub celebrated for its glossy, variegated foliage. Its dark green leaves are adorned with bright yellow or gold spots, creating a dramatic contrast that adds year-round interest to any garden. With its resilience in shady conditions and minimal care requirements, this shrub is perfect for low-maintenance gardens, shady borders, and container planting, making a bold statement in a variety of landscapes.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring: New growth emerges, showcasing glossy green leaves with vibrant yellow spots.
Summer: The shrub forms a dense, rounded shape, with its bold foliage providing a vibrant backdrop for other plants.
Autumn: The gold speckling on the leaves intensifies, offering beautiful contrast against the changing colors of other plants.
Winter: Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' retains its glossy, variegated leaves, brightening up shaded gardens even in the colder months.
Structure & Form
Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' grows to a height of 90–150cm with a rounded, bushy form that works well as a low hedge, border plant, or accent shrub. Its bold foliage structure adds texture and vertical interest to any garden, even in shaded or woodland settings.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
Shady Gardens – An ideal shrub for areas with limited sunlight, such as woodland gardens or beneath trees.
Foundation Plantings – Adds color and texture to foundation plantings, offering a dramatic contrast against building exteriors.
Container Planting – Perfect for adding evergreen interest to patios, terraces, and balconies.
Mixed Borders – Provides a bold, year-round backdrop for colorful perennials, ferns, and hostas.
Wildlife Gardens – While not particularly known for its flowers, Spotted Laurel offers shelter and year-round protection for birds and small wildlife.
Growing Conditions & Care
Position: Thrives in full shade to partial shade, perfect for shaded corners or under trees.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately acidic to neutral soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types, including poor soils.
Hardiness: Fully hardy, .
Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune lightly to shape and remove dead or damaged growth. Avoid excessive fertilizing, as it can lead to weak growth.
Why Choose Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia'?
With its bold, variegated foliage, Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' offers a striking contrast in any garden. Its evergreen nature ensures that it provides year-round interest, even in shaded or difficult areas where other plants may not thrive. Low-maintenance and adaptable, this shrub is perfect for adding elegance and texture to shaded landscapes.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Hostas – Pair with Hostas for complementary foliage textures.
Ferns – Combine with ferns like Dryopteris or Osmunda for a woodland feel.
Heuchera – Underplant with Heuchera for added color contrast.
Shade-loving Perennials – Mix with plants like Astilbe or Bleeding Heart for a well-rounded shaded garden.
Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' is a standout evergreen shrub that brings color, texture, and structure to shaded and low-light garden spaces. Its bold, spotted leaves and minimal care requirements make it a top choice for year-round interest and effortless elegance in the landscape.
