Plant Min Zone: 6a
Plant Max Zone: 10b
Sunlight: Part Sun, Shade, Deep Shade
Water / Rainfall: Low, Average, High
Soil Quality: Average, Rich
Bloom Season: Summer
Flower Color: Insignificant
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Dark Green
Summer Foliage Color: Dark Green, Yellow
Fall Foliage Color: Dark Green
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Medium, High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: High
Wind Tolerance: Low
Poor Soil Tolerance: Clay Soils, Alkaline Soils (high PH)
Height: 2' - 3'
Width: 2' - 3'
Growth Rate: Slow, Extremely Slow
Service Life: Medium: 3-5 years
Maintenance Need: Low
Spreading Potential: Extremely Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Evergreen Shrub Yearly in Spring or Summer to Desired Size: Not Grown for Flowers or Fruit.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3, Small Grouping of 3-5
Best Side of House: East Exposure, South Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Resistant to Rabbits
Ornamental Features: Long Lasting Fall Color, Bright Winter Color, Multiple Seasons of Interest, Large Tropical Foliage / Flowers, Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: Root Rot Disease
Plant Limitations: May get Occasional Winter-kill, Needs Thick Winter Mulch, Slow to Reach Mature Size
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba japonica) is a surprisingly hardy evergreen shrub from Japan featuring dark green leaves with gold spots. Flowering and fruiting may occur in warmer climates but have not witnessed that in our zone 6a climate. Aucuba is at the northern edge of its range but will survive and reach varying heights of 1 to 3 feet. Winterkill occurs at about -5 to -10° so plan to prune off winter kill and new growth will resume in spring. In southern zones with mild winters aucuba can reach 6-8' tall, tolerating full shade and drought making it a great dry shade plant. In our Lawrence Gardens, this is possible if sited on a south exposure in full shade with winter wind protection. Rich organic soils and morning sun / filtered sun are both preferred in northern climates. Watering during the winter when dry will help broadleaf evergreen shrubs stay hydrated and maintain their winter foliage better. This jewel of the shade garden adds valuable bright green and yellow winter color giving some structure. Combine with other shade plants such as hosta, Solomon Seal, Hellebore, Barrenwort, or Coralberry. Plants in our Lawrence, KS gardens generally survive for several years and are worth the effort in the shade garden. Don't count on them getting very big so plant close together if designing with a grouping. Aucuba japonica 'Gold King' is a male form with numerous gold spots on dark green leaves.