Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' 2.5ltr

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' (Spotted Laurel)

For year-round colour in the shadiest corners of the garden, Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' is hard to beat. This compact, bushy evergreen carries large, leathery, glossy green leaves generously spotted and blotched with deep golden yellow, giving it a bright, almost luminous presence even in the darkest positions. Small purple flowers appear in spring on female plants, followed by bright red berries when pollinated — though these are ornamental rather than edible.

Reliably tough and low-maintenance, it thrives in full or partial shade and tolerates most soil types, including chalk, loam, and sand, provided drainage is reasonable. Fully hardy and drought-resistant once established, it reaches an ultimate height and spread of 1.5–2.5 metres over 10–20 years, making it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or as a stand-alone architectural specimen in a shady border. Little routine care is needed beyond the occasional selective prune in late winter to keep its shape.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.