Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

AUCUBA japonica 'Salicifolia'

Image of Aucuba japonica f. longifolia 'Salicifolia'

Family

Cornaceae

Botanical Name

AUCUBA japonica f. longifolia 'Salicifolia'

Plant Common Name

Japanese Aucuba, Japanese Laurel, Willowleaf Japanese Laurel

General Description

Japanese aucuba is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with glossy, leathery, dark green foliage. The female cultivar 'Salicifolia' has narrow, serrated leaves, borne on sea-green stems. This female plant produces abundant bright red fruit in fall and winter, preceded in spring by small purple flowers.

Aucubas tolerate most well drained soils and prefer partially shaded locations with shelter from hot afternoon sun and winter winds. They are excellent for hedges or massing and may be grown as large house plants.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 10

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m

  • Width

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring

  • Native To

    Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Drought, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Purple

  • Fruit Color

    Red

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Sea Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes