Aucuba Plant Care Learn About Aucuba Growing Conditions

Mild temperatures. Japanese aucuba plants survive winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 10. Well-drained soil. The ideal soil is moist with a high organic content, but the plants tolerate most any soil, including heavy clay, as long as it is well drained.

Can aucuba tolerate sun?
How fast does aucuba grow?
Why is my aucuba dying?
When should aucuba be pruned?
Does aucuba grow in shade?
How tall do aucuba plants get?
How do you propagate aucuba?
How do you plant aucuba?
Can you cut back aucuba?
Why do aucuba leaves turn black?
Will spotted laurel grow in shade?
Why is my japonica wilting?

Can aucuba tolerate sun?

If both male and female plants are present, small maroon flowers in spring will be followed by red berries in fall and winter. While it prefers a shady location, Japanese aucuba will tolerate some morning or filtered sun. It has no special soil requirements.

How fast does aucuba grow?

Aucuba grows slowly, taking 10 to 20 years to reach a mature height of 6 to 10 feet and spreading to cover a 4- to 6-feet diameter; under ideal conditions, it can reach more than 15 feet tall.

Why is my aucuba dying?

Cause. The blackening of the leaves is usually caused by root stress due to excess moisture levels in the soil during cold, wet winters.

When should aucuba be pruned?

Best timing for all pruning is end of winter -- late March through about mid-April, just before new growth begins. A little neatening can be done later in spring through mid-summer, but knock off all pruning from mid-summer through winter.

Does aucuba grow in shade?

Shade. ... Plants tolerate partial shade, but leaves turn black if they get too much sun. Mild temperatures. Japanese aucuba plants survive winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 10. Well-drained soil.

How tall do aucuba plants get?

Aucuba japonica, commonly called spotted laurel, is a rounded, shade-loving, evergreen shrub in the Garryaceae family, a small family that includes just two genera Garrya and Aucuba. It typically grows to 6-10' (infrequently to 15') tall, unless pruned shorter.

How do you propagate aucuba?

The best way to root aucuba cuttings is in rooting medium. They will develop stronger, healthier roots that won't rot as easily. Fill small pots with a rooting medium that drains freely. You can make your own from one part each of sand, vermiculite and peat moss, or you can buy a commercially prepared medium.

How do you plant aucuba?

Aucuba grows best in a very well-drained damp to somewhat dry soil. Therefore, when planting and growing them in containers, I recommend a using a premium potting mix or potting soil, or a 50/50 mix of the two, in a container that has a drainage hole(s). More on planting Aucuba in containers below.

Can you cut back aucuba?

Due to the slow growth rate, Aucuba japonica rarely requires trimming. Although the plant needs little maintenance, it does respond well to pruning to maintain size and a compact form. The plant is a broadleaf evergreen, which should be pruned in early spring for best results.

Why do aucuba leaves turn black?

Some of the aucuba have leaves that are turning black and wilting. ... They are suffering from Phytophthora root rot, a soil disease that commonly affects azalea, rhododendron and aucuba shrubs. The fungus itself is present in most soils.

Will spotted laurel grow in shade?

They grow well in all conditions except water logged soils. Aucubas thrive in full sun and full shade. In shade the leaves maintain their variegation well, bringing a dull corner to life. Once established, it rarely requires watering and will tolerate drought.

Why is my japonica wilting?

If they REALLY droop, like straight down, THEN you have a problem. If it gets that little sun and in that size pot, you probably are giving it too much water. It should be dry down about 3" before you water it again and make sure some water comes out the bottom.