Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' – Hardy Evergreen with Bold, Speckled Foliage
Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’, commonly known as Variegated Japanese Laurel, is a stunning evergreen shrub prized for its large, glossy green leaves heavily splashed with golden-yellow. This tough and adaptable plant thrives in shade, where its bright foliage adds a vibrant pop of colour. Perfect for mixed borders, foundation planting, hedging, and container displays, it is an excellent low-maintenance choice for year-round interest.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring: New variegated leaves emerge, featuring bold golden splashes on deep green foliage.
Summer: Lush evergreen foliage creates a striking contrast in shaded areas.
Autumn: If planted with a male pollinator, bright red berries appear, adding seasonal colour.
Winter: Retains its vibrant, speckled leaves, providing structure and brightness even in the colder months.
Structure & Form
- Grows to a height of 1.5–2.5 meters, forming a dense, bushy shape.
- Large, leathery leaves provide year-round texture and colour.
- Slow to moderate growth rate, requiring minimal pruning to maintain shape.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Shade & Woodland Gardens – Thrives where other plants struggle, illuminating darker spaces.
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Mixed Borders & Foundation Plantings – Adds texture and colour contrast.
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Privacy Screens & Hedging – Dense growth makes it an excellent evergreen barrier.
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Containers & Courtyards – Ideal for patio displays and urban gardens.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Prefers partial to full shade, tolerating urban conditions.
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Soil: Adaptable to moist, well-drained soil, including clay and loam.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy, resistant to frost, pollution, and coastal winds.
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Maintenance: Low-maintenance; occasional pruning keeps it tidy.
Why Choose Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’?
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Striking variegated foliage brings brightness to shady spots.
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Hardy and drought-tolerant, perfect for challenging garden conditions.
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Low-maintenance and adaptable, ideal for beginner gardeners.
- Works well as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as a hedge.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Shade-Loving Perennials – Pair with Hostas, Heuchera, or Ferns for added texture.
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Evergreens – Combine with Pittosporum or Boxwood (Buxus) for contrast.
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Flowering Shrubs – Complement with Hydrangeas or Camellias for seasonal blooms.
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Groundcovers – Use alongside Vinca minor or Pachysandra for a layered effect.
Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’ is a bold, beautiful, and reliable evergreen, offering year-round colour, structure, and resilience. Perfect for shady gardens, urban landscapes, and low-maintenance plantings, this eye-catching shrub adds a touch of golden elegance wherever it grows.
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.