Aucuba japonica aka Japanese Aucuba
Taxonomy
Aucuba japonica, commonly called spotted laurel, Japanese laurel, Japanese aucuba or gold dust plant, is a woody, broadleaf evergreen shrub native to China, Korea, and Japan. It is well adapted to the Southeastern United States and can be found growing in moist valleys, thickets, by streams, and near shaded moist rocks. It grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, unless pruned shorter, and can be propagated by seed or stem cutting. It has variegated leaves and small, reddish purple flowers in spring, followed by red berries on female plants in fall. The variegation is caused by the 'Aucuba bacilliform', a putative species of virus in the genus Badnavirus. It is an attractive shrub that is adaptable to shade, dry soil, pollution, and coastal conditions and makes a great hedge or specimen plant or an impressive houseplant.
Common names
Japanese Aucuba, Spotted Laurel, Gold DustHow to care for Japanese Aucuba
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Japanese Aucuba is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Japanese Aucuba should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Japanese Aucuba loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Toxicity
Japanese Aucuba is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The Japanese Aucuba is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Japanese Aucuba as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Japanese Aucuba’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan.
More info:
Wikipedia
