Aucuba
Aucuba japonica (aw-KOO-bah ja-PO-ni-kah)
Aucuba, a member of the silk tassel family (Garryaceae), is a woody, broadleaf, evergreen shrub. It is native to China, the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan and Japan, where it can be found in moist woodland areas, thickets, valleys and along streams. The species epithet is Latin for "Japanese." Partial shade to deep shade is the best growing environment. Young leaves exposed to the sun will blacken. Soil conditions should be loamy clay, sand, or high organic matter. The soil needs to have good drainage, moist to occasionally dry or wet conditions. Aucuba tolerates poor soils and urban conditions like air pollution. The foliage is susceptible to windburn, so plant it in a protected area. Aucuba typically grows 6 to 10 feet (infrequently to 15 feet) tall, unless pruned shorter. The flowers bloom on new wood; therefore, pruning, if needed, may be done in late winter and early spring. Plant 3 to 6 feet apart. It is propagated by seed or stem cutting. Plants in this genus are dioecious, meaning they have male and female flowers on separate plants. The flowers are small, dull and not very showy. They are pollinated by small flies. If both sexes are planted near each other, the female plants will produce showy red fruits in the winter, providing year-round interest. The variegated cultivars are more common in cultivation than the green cultivars. Aucuba can be grown in containers around the patio or in recreational play areas. It does well in Asian, children's gardens, shade, cottage and winter gardens. It can be used as a hedge or privacy screening, foundation planting or shrubby border. Quick ID Hints: Leaves are glossy, coriaceous, elliptic, and opposite Leaves are entire or dentate on green stems Long-lasting red/burgundy fruit color is present (on female plants) from fall to spring Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Plants occasionally suffer from scale, root rot, nematodes, and mealybugs. Fungal leaf spot and southern blight sometimes occur. More information on Aucuba .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 73 attributes.