Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia'
Crotonifolia Japanese Spotted Laurel
- Family
- Garryaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 feet
- Width
- 10 to 15 feet
- Flower color
- Small burgundy flowers
- Foliage color
- Variegated gold and green, glossy
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Regular to low once established
- Maintenance
- Low; adaptable to various soils including clay and well-drained types
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7a to 10b
- Wildlife
- Attracts birds with its bright red berries (produced if a male pollinator is nearby)
About this plant
Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' is an evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, variegated foliage. The large, leathery leaves feature a vibrant mix of green with golden-yellow speckles, offering year-round interest. This cultivar is particularly admired for its ability to brighten shaded garden spaces. In spring, small burgundy flowers appear, which, if pollinated by a compatible male plant, give way to bright red berries that persist into the fall and winter.
Native to Japan and other parts of Asia, 'Crotonifolia' has been cultivated for ornamental purposes in gardens worldwide. Its robust nature and tolerance for challenging conditions make it a versatile choice for hedges, containers, or as a specimen plant in low-light areas. The combination of ornamental foliage, spring blooms, and colorful berries ensures its enduring appeal in landscape designs.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Hedging & Privacy · Containers · Specimen Plants
Companion plants
Skimmia · Japanese forest grass · Epimedium · Pieris · Trillium · Foamflower
Design tip
Use this colorful evergreen to brighten a shady corner, frame an entry, or add structure along a garden path. Pair it with deep green foliage and softer textures to highlight the variegation while creating a lush, layered planting with interest throughout the seasons.
