Evergreen Shrubs – Aucuba

Aucuba 

Botanical name: aucuba japonica 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: reaches anywhere from 3-10 ft in height with about  5-9 ft spread 

Bloom time: spring

Hardy zone: zones 8-12 

Flower color: pink/purple 

Foliage color: green/yellow/white

Growth rate: grows up to 1 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the winter to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings 

Landscape use: shade garden, unique foliage display 

Light needs: less than 3 hours of sun per day 

Special features: disease resistant, attracts wildlife 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: adapts to all types of soil

Companion plants: camellia, hosta, ferns, fatsia

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: yes