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Variegated Japanese laurel
The Aucuba japonica 'Variegata', commonly known as the variegated Japanese laurel, is a luxurious, ornamental shrub that adds a splash of brightness to any garden with its glossy, yellow-spotted green leaves. This evergreen is native to Japan and boasts an upright to bushy growth habit, which makes it a versatile candidate for borders, group plantings, or even as a potted feature.
The Aucuba is celebrated for its low maintenance and adaptability to a variety of soil types, requiring only well-drained conditions to thrive. The variegated laurel flourishes in both sun and partial shade, showcasing its striking foliage that remains vibrant throughout all seasons. In spring, subtle purple flowers emerge, followed by a display of bright red berries in the autumn, which contrast beautifully against the variegated leaves.
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Shrubs. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Shrubs for a long time.
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' prospers in locations that offer full sun to partial shade. Although this evergreen shrub is adaptable to an array of soil conditions, it thrives best in well-drained substrates. An area that receives dappled sunlight is ideal, especially to preserve the striking variegation of its foliage. This species demonstrates its versatility by being equally at home when planted in the ground as part of a border or group planting, or displayed in pots. It is imperative to avoid overly dry conditions, as this variety is not drought-resistant and requires consistent moisture to maintain its vibrant appearance.
To plant Aucuba japonica 'Variegata', select a location that offers full sun to partial shade and ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile. While adaptable to various soil types, optimal drainage is crucial for its health. Plant this shrub at any time of the year, barring frost conditions, allowing sufficient space for it to reach its mature width and height. Upon planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the root ball, and maintain consistent moisture levels without overwatering. This species requires average water and is not drought-tolerant, so regular watering is essential for establishing a robust root system.
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' is a low-maintenance shrub that generally thrives without extensive pruning. However, to encourage a denser foliage or to shape the plant for aesthetic purposes, light pruning can be performed. Prune in the early spring before new growth begins to ensure the best recovery for the plant. If any branches become damaged or overly long, they can be selectively removed to maintain the shrub's bushy, upright habit. Remember, this evergreen will retain its variegated leaves throughout the year, providing consistent visual interest in the landscape.
The Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' thrives with consistent moisture, particularly during dry spells, to sustain its glossy, variegated foliage. While it has an average water need, ensure the soil remains well-drained to avoid waterlogging, which could be detrimental to the shrub's health. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. In the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry, as the evergreen leaves continue to transpire and need adequate hydration to maintain their vibrant appearance.
To maintain the vibrant variegation and robust health of Aucuba japonica 'Variegata', it is recommended to provide a balanced fertilizer regimen. Fertilizing in early spring can encourage lush foliage and support the upcoming bloom cycle. Opt for a general-purpose fertilizer, suitably formulated for evergreen shrubs, and apply according to the manufacturer's instructions.
As this shrub displays a moderate growth rate, an additional feeding in mid-summer can be beneficial, particularly to plants growing in pots or in nutrient-deficient soils. Ensure the soil is moist when applying fertilizer to prevent root burn and facilitate nutrient absorption.
While the 'Variegata' is not a heavy feeder, consistent fertilization will contribute to its overall vigor, enhancing both the plant's ornamental foliage and its resilience against environmental stressors.
The Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' is known for its striking, variegated leaves, which can brighten up shaded areas in the garden. This plant thrives in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It's advisable to shelter this species from cold, drying winds to maintain the vibrancy of its foliage. The 'Variegata's' resilience makes it an excellent choice for urban gardens, where it can serve as an evergreen backdrop year-round.
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' typically grows to a height of 3 meters when fully mature.
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' is well-suited to a wide range of soil types, provided that the soil is well-drained. Ensuring efficient drainage of excess water is crucial for promoting the optimal growth conditions for this plant.
The Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' thrives in a variety of light conditions, making it adaptable to both sunny and partially shaded locations. This plant can be placed in an area with direct sunlight or in a spot where it receives partial shade. This versatility allows for flexible placement within different areas of a garden or landscape.
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' produces small flowers with green and white hues.
Certainly, Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' is considered to be winter hardy. It can endure temperatures ranging from -15.0°C to -9.4°C, aligning with the USDA hardiness zones 7b to 8a. Consequently, Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' demonstrates resilience in facing the winter conditions within these specified temperature parameters.
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' is indeed an evergreen plant. This means that it maintains its lush foliage throughout the year, adding a touch of green to your landscape even during the winter months.
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' is a plant that takes between 10 and 20 years to reach its ultimate height. This indicates a steady and gradual growth pattern, allowing for long-term enjoyment and appreciation of its development.
If we are proud of anything at Heijnen Plants, it is our plant packaging. We have developed our own unique way of packaging our 9x9 cm potted plants. After years of continued development and research, we managed to create packaging that allows plants to be delivered to your home undamaged and quickly through a parcel service. This makes us unique!
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If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.
We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.
Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' is an exquisite choice for those seeking a plant that adds a splash of color to their garden with its striking variegated leaves. This hardy shrub thrives in various conditions, offering both aesthetic appeal and resilience to any landscape.
