Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'

This spotted leaved aucuba grows slowly as a dense, rounded, evergreen shrub. It prefers rich, moist well-drained soil in partial to full shade.  Flowers appear in the early spring and the foliage is glossy, green blotched with yellow, and long lasting to provide year-round interest.  It is used as a potted house plant in the north. 

The plant can tolerate heavy shade, air pollution and poor soils. The showy leaves are most colorful in the full shade and they provide a pop of color in dark corners as well as some interest during the winter months. The flowers bloom on new wood; therefore, pruning, if needed, may be done in late winter and early spring.  Propagate it by stem cutting or seed, but propagating from cutting ensures that you maintain the coloring of the plant.  In cold climates, it may die back in the winter.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Fairly problem-free.  Mealybugs, scale, and nematode are occasional problems.  Southern blight or fungal leaf spots do occur.  Root rot happens in poorly drained or very wet soils. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Opposite leaves with yellow flecks
• Large, coriaceous leaves with waxy green stems

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University