Aucuba Japonica Crotonifolia 5 Litre Pot

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' – A Striking Evergreen Shrub with Variegated Foliage

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia', commonly known as the spotted laurel or gold dust plant, is an evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, variegated foliage. With its bold combination of dark green leaves speckled with gold or yellow spots, this striking plant adds both texture and colour to shaded or partially shaded areas in the garden. Its reliable growth, coupled with its unique visual appeal, makes it an excellent choice for year-round interest, particularly in low-light conditions.

Seasonal Beauty & Growth

Spring:

• In spring, the plant emerges with fresh, vibrant green foliage that begins to show the distinctive gold or yellow spots that give it its name.
• This variety produces inconspicuous, small purple-red flowers, but the main attraction is its striking foliage.

Summer:

• Throughout summer, the variegated foliage remains lush and vibrant, brightening up shaded areas where other plants may struggle.
• 'Crotonifolia' can grow steadily in these conditions, adding texture and contrast to the garden with its unique appearance.

Autumn:

• In autumn, the plant's rich green and gold leaves provide a warm, eye-catching display. Although not known for a dramatic change in colour, the plant retains its vibrant foliage and continues to thrive.

Winter:

• As an evergreen, 'Crotonifolia' maintains its glossy, variegated leaves through the winter, providing valuable colour and structure in the garden when many other plants are dormant.

Structure & Form

• Height & Spread: Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' typically grows to a height of 1.5–2m, with a spread of around 1–1.5m, forming a dense, bushy shrub.
• Form: The shrub has an upright, rounded habit with broad, leathery leaves that are densely arranged on its stems.
• Growth Habit: This plant is slow-growing but can reach its mature size in several years, offering a sturdy, evergreen presence in the garden with minimal maintenance.

Perfect for Various Landscapes

• Shaded Areas: 'Crotonifolia' thrives in shady locations, making it ideal for planting in areas with limited sunlight where other plants may struggle.
• Hedges & Borders: This shrub works well as a low hedge or border plant, adding a touch of colour and texture to otherwise dim corners of the garden.
• Container Planting: Its compact size and evergreen nature make it an excellent choice for containers, bringing year-round interest to patios, balconies, or entryways.
• Wildlife Gardens: While not primarily grown for flowers, its dense foliage can offer shelter for birds and small wildlife, particularly in more sheltered parts of the garden.

Growing Conditions & Care

• Position: Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' is well-suited to shaded or partially shaded areas. While it can tolerate some sun, the best variegation in the foliage is achieved in low-light conditions.
• Soil: This variety prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay and loamy soils. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
• Hardiness: May require some protection in extremely cold areas.
• Maintenance: This shrub is low-maintenance, requiring little pruning. It’s best to remove any dead or damaged stems in early spring to maintain its shape.
• Watering: Regular watering is beneficial, especially during dry spells, but the plant is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It's important to avoid over-watering as it prefers well-drained soil.

Why Choose Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia'?

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' is an elegant, hardy evergreen that thrives in shaded conditions and adds year-round interest to the garden. Its striking variegated foliage, with its golden-yellow specks, brightens up darker areas, making it an excellent choice for adding texture, colour, and structure to low-light corners of your garden.

Perfect Plant Combinations

• Hostas: Pair with shade-loving perennials like Hostas or Ferns for a lush, textured garden that thrives in the shade.
• Astilbe & Heuchera: Combine with perennials such as Astilbe or Heuchera, whose colourful foliage and flowers complement the variegated leaves of 'Crotonifolia'.
• Japanese Maples: 'Crotonifolia' pairs beautifully with Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum), creating a striking contrast of form and colour in shaded garden spaces.
• Shade-loving Flowers: Combine with shade-loving flowers like Impatiens or Bleeding Heart (Dicentra) for an added burst of colour in the summer months.

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' is an ideal choice for gardeners looking for an attractive, low-maintenance shrub that thrives in shade and adds visual interest year-round. Its bold variegated foliage and compact size make it perfect for borders, hedges, or containers, while its evergreen nature ensures it remains a striking focal point throughout the seasons.

Aucuba Japonica Crotonifolia 5 Litre Pot Grasslands Nursery Winter Hardy Slow Growing Evergreen

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.