The Aucuba Japonica 'Crotonifolia', commonly known as the Gold Dust Spotted Laurel, is a striking hardy evergreen shrub prized for its bold, glossy foliage generously speckled with golden-yellow spots. This reliable and versatile plant brings year-round colour and interest to even the shadiest corners of the garden, thriving where many other shrubs struggle.

Supplied as a well-established plant in a 7.5L root-ball, this Aucuba is ready to make an immediate impact in borders, woodland gardens, containers or as an informal hedge. Its naturally bushy, upright habit requires minimal pruning and provides excellent structure and texture throughout the seasons.

Aucuba Japonica 'Crotonifolia' is exceptionally tolerant of shade, pollution and coastal conditions, making it an ideal choice for urban gardens, north-facing borders and exposed sites. Female plants may produce attractive bright red berries from autumn through winter when a male pollinator is nearby.

What's Included:

• 1 x Aucuba Japonica 'Crotonifolia' (Gold Dust Spotted Laurel) – 7.5L Root-Ball

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia'


• Common Names: Gold Dust Laurel, Spotted Laurel, Japanese Laurel


• Classification: Evergreen Shrub


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 2–3 m × 2–3 m


• Growth Habit: Bushy, Dense, Upright Evergreen Shrub


• Perfect For: Shade Gardens, Borders, Woodland Planting, Containers, Informal Hedging


• Flowering Time: Spring (small purple-maroon flowers)


• Berrying Season: Autumn to Winter (bright red berries on female plants when pollinated)


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade (tolerates deep shade)


• Soil Type: Moist, Well-Drained; Tolerates Most Soil Types


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H5)


• Attracts: Birds and Garden Wildlife


• Type: Hardy Evergreen Shrub


• Foliage: Large, Glossy, Dark Green Leaves with Bold Golden-Yellow Speckles


• Special Features: Shade Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant, Coastal Tolerant, Low Maintenance

Planting and Care:

Plant in a sheltered or exposed position in partial to full shade. Aucuba is adaptable to most soil types but performs best in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, this shrub is drought tolerant. Pruning is generally not required but can be carried out in spring to maintain shape if desired. Avoid planting in prolonged direct afternoon sun, as this may scorch the foliage.

Notes: This listing is for the Crotonifolia variety, distinguished by its characteristic gold-spotted foliage. Please note that plants are living products and may vary slightly in size and appearance from images shown.