Aucuba japonica Crotonifolia
€15.00
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Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Spotted Laurel, Gold Dust Plant
- Botanical Name: Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’
- Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
- Mature Height: 2-3m
- Mature Spread: 2-2.5m
- Flowering Period: March-May
- Flower Colour: Small purple flowers (female plants produce red berries)
- Foliage: Large, glossy green leaves heavily spotted with golden yellow
- Hardiness: RHS H5 (-15°C to -10°C)
- Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, tolerates most soil types
- Aspect: Partial to full shade
- Maintenance: Low
Description
Like scattered drops of sunshine captured on emerald leaves, Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’ brings year-round brilliance to the shadiest corners of the Irish garden. This magnificent evergreen shrub transforms forgotten spaces into jewel-bright focal points, its spectacular golden-spotted foliage creating pools of light where other plants fear to tread.
Standing proud with its robust, upright habit, this Japanese native produces some of the most striking variegated foliage in the plant kingdom. Each large, leathery leaf is generously splashed and speckled with bright golden yellow markings, creating a dazzling display that seems to glow even on the greyest Irish days. The glossy surface catches and reflects light, making this shrub appear almost luminous in shaded positions.
Named ‘Crotonifolia’ for its resemblance to tropical croton leaves, this hardy beauty has been gracing British and Irish gardens since the Victorian era, proving its reliability through generations of gardeners. Its exceptional tolerance of urban pollution, coastal conditions, and deep shade makes it invaluable for challenging Irish garden situations where few other evergreens would thrive.
Magnificent as a specimen plant in woodland gardens or grouped for dramatic impact in shrubberies. Pairs beautifully with dark-leaved plants like mahonia and fatsia, spring bulbs such as snowdrops and bluebells, and shade-loving perennials including hostas and ferns, creating sophisticated contrasts that celebrate both colour and texture in the Irish shade garden.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Planting: Plant from autumn to spring, spacing 2-2.5m apart to allow for mature spread. Choose a sheltered position in partial to full shade – avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the variegated leaves. Excellent for north-facing borders and under tree canopies.
Soil Requirements: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils exceptionally well. Avoid waterlogged conditions but appreciates consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Container Growing: Excellent for large containers in shaded courtyards and patios. Use a soil-based compost and ensure adequate drainage. Water regularly during growing season and feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser from spring to early autumn.
Watering & Feeding: Water regularly during first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, tolerates moderate drought but performs best with consistent moisture. Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring.
Pruning & Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning – simply remove any damaged or wayward branches in late spring. Can be pruned hard if renovation is needed, responding well to cutting back into old wood. Deadhead spent flowers unless berries are desired for winter interest.
Propagation: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or propagate from ripe berries in autumn. Female plants require a male pollinator nearby to produce the decorative red berries that persist through winter, adding seasonal interest to the garden display.
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