Aucuba (Aucuba japonica) evergreen shrubs
Aucuba are known for their shade tolerance with green and yellow leaves. Usually the more or deeper the shade, the brighter the leaves become. If they get too much sun, the leaves can turn black. Spring flowers aren't very ornamental but will turn into red berries if there is a male plant growing close enough to them.
Top Rated Online Nurseries to Buy Aucuba Shrubs
The Tree Center - They carry one of the largest selections of Aucuba shrubs among our top-rated online nurseries.
Garden Goods Direct - They offer some good sizes and reasonable prices.
Plants by Mail - They don't have the largest selection, but they consistently offer great quality and prices.
Our latest top 20 ranking of nurseries from first to worst. Click here to view the rankings.
Most Popular Aucuba Shrub Varieties
| Common Botanical |
Height Width | Hardiness Zones | Features | Common Uses |
| Gold Dust | H: 4-6' W: 4-6' |
6 to 9 | Very easy to grow. Densley branched, shade tolerant. | Hedges, shade gardens, foundations. |
| Japanese Aucuba japonica 'variegata' | H: 6-10' W: 6-10' |
6 to 9 | . | |
| Marmorata Variegated Aucuba Japonica ‘Marmorata’ | H: 6-7' W: 6-7' |
7 to 10 | Easy to grow. Less showy. | Great in containers. Does well in shade. |
| Mr. Goldstrike | H: 4-6' W: 4-5' |
6 to 9 | Also known as spotted Laurel. Thrives in full shade, deer resistant, easy care. Vibrant glossy leaves. | Foundation planting, borders, a unique hedge. |
| Picturata Aucuba Japoncia ‘Picturata’ | H: 4-6' W: 4-6' |
6 to 9 | Deer resistant. Known for flashy dark green leaves with dazzling golden yellow centers Great for shady spaces. Femal may produce berries if a male is present. | Great for shady areas, borders. They're even used as houseplants. |