Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica)
Zones: 7 to 9
Light: Shade
Bloom Time: Foliage Only
Height: 6′ to 10′
Spread: 6′ to 10′
Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica) is a broad leaf evergreen bush that makes a great hedge or back-of-the-border shrub in the shade.
It produces clusters of maroon flowers in the spring that turn into bright red berries if you have both a male and female version planted together.
But most people grow it because of its beautiful foliage.
Even without the flowers and berries, this shrub’s gorgeous green and yellow leaves add interest to your shade garden.
Find out more about Aucuba HERE.
This post was originally published on June 21, 2020 but was updated with new content on December 8, 2021.