Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'
Variegated Japanese Spotted Laurel
- Family
- Garryaceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 feet
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- Small maroon to purple brown flowers borne in clusters
- Foliage color
- Glossy dark green leathery leaves heavily speckled with bright yellow spots
- Bloom time
- Early to mid spring, often March to April
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Average
- Maintenance
- Low; prune in early spring to shape plants and remove damaged or leggy stems
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Birds that feed on the bright red berries produced on female plants when a male pollinator is nearby
About this plant
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' carries glossy, leathery leaves generously speckled with bright golden-yellow markings scattered across deep green surfaces. The broad foliage remains vibrant throughout the year, creating a luminous presence in shaded garden spaces. In spring, small clusters of reddish-purple flowers appear along the stems. Though modest in size, the blooms add subtle seasonal interest among the colorful leaves.
This cultivar traces its origins to Aucuba japonica native to woodland areas of Japan, Korea, and parts of eastern Asia. In gardens it provides dependable evergreen structure in shaded borders, foundation plantings, and woodland settings where the gold-speckled foliage brings light and texture.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Woodland Gardens · Specimen Plants
Companion plants
Daphne · Brunnera · Tiarella · Camellia · Bleeding heart · Hellebore
Design tip
Use this colorful evergreen to brighten the middle or back of a shady border where its golden foliage can really stand out. Pair it with deep green shrubs and softer groundcovers to create a lush, layered garden with year-round contrast and interest.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
