Aucuba ‘Japonica Crotonifolia Spotted Laurel’ — Evergreen Shrub, 2L Pot
Aucuba ‘Japonica Crotonifolia Spotted Laurel’ — Evergreen Shrub, 2L Pot
Aucuba ‘Japonica Crotonifolia Spotted Laurel’ — a hardy garden shrub with flowering spring. Supplied as an established specimen in a 2L pot, grown peat-free at our Yorkshire nursery and ready to plant out.
At a glance
- Type: Evergreen Shrub
- Flowering: Spring (small purple-red flowers)
- Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade
- Supplied as: Single plant in a 2L pot
The detail
The Aucuba Japonica Crotonifolia, widely known as the Spotted Laurel or Gold Dust Plant, is a beautifully variegated evergreen shrub celebrated for its bold, gold-spotted foliage. With large, glossy dark green leaves generously flecked with golden-yellow markings, this striking shrub brings year-round colour and structural interest to borders, patios, woodland gardens and shady corners alike.
This hardy shade-loving shrub is one of the finest evergreen plants for shade, thriving effortlessly in north-facing gardens and shady borders. It performs superbly where many other garden shrubs struggle. The Aucuba Crotonifolia is remarkably wind tolerant, pollution tolerant and drought tolerant once established, making it an outstanding choice for coastal gardens and exposed urban landscapes.
Why ours
Grown by us in Yorkshire, in peat-free compost, shipped in plastic-free packaging. Every plant arrives strong, well-rooted and ready to thrive — not weeks of waiting before it gets going. Each order includes access to our free care app with planting and seasonal care reminders.
How to grow
| Botanical name | Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' |
| Growth habit | Bushy, Rounded Evergreen Shrub |
| Position | Partial Shade to Full Shade |
| Soil | Moist, Well-Drained; Tolerates Most Soil Types |
| Flowering | Spring (small purple-red flowers) |
| Hardiness | Fully Hardy (RHS H5) |
| Best for | Shady Borders, Woodland Gardens, Hedging, Containers, North-Facing Gardens |
Frequently asked
How big will it grow?
Mature size varies, see the cultural information above. Most established shrubs reach mature size within 3–5 years.
When should I plant it?
Container-grown shrubs can be planted year-round in the UK, but autumn and spring give the best establishment. Avoid planting in extreme heat or frozen ground.
When does it flower?
Expect flowers from spring (small purple-red flowers).
What size pot does it arrive in?
Supplied as a single specimen in 2L pot, well-rooted and ready to plant out or pot on.