Description
Aucuba japonica ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’: The Moon-Kissed Shade Star
If you have a shady spot that needs life, this plant is ready to shine. Aucuba japonica ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ is bold, bright, and easy. The name means “Gold of the Moon.” One look and you see why. Each deep green leaf wears a round splash of warm gold near the center. It looks like moonlight on water. It feels calm. It looks happy. And it lights up shade like a small lamp.
We love plants that work hard for you. This one does. It stays evergreen. It keeps its glow in every season. It grows where many plants will not. In other words, this is a shade hero you can count on.
What Makes ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ Special
- Moon-gold leaves. Big, glossy leaves with a soft, round yellow “moon” in the middle.
- Shade loving. Thrives in part shade to full shade. Handles deep shade better than most shrubs.
- Evergreen bones. Year-round structure and color. No bare stems in winter.
- Low fuss. Easy to plant. Easy to keep. Easy to love.
- Urban tough. Tolerates dry shade once established and city life too.
- Great in pots. Perfect on a shaded porch or entry.
This mix of beauty and strength is rare. That is why gardeners reach for aucuba when other shrubs fail.
Size and Shape You Can Use
‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ grows with a soft, rounded form. It fills in without getting wild.
- Mature size: about 4–6 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide in most gardens.
- Growth rate: moderate. It does not rush, but it keeps moving.
- Pruning: simple. Clip to shape in late winter or early spring. You can also snip a branch any time for a quick tidy.
Need a smaller look? Keep it trimmed to 3–4 feet with light cuts once a year. Want more height? Give it time and room.
Light: Shade Is Its Sweet Spot
This plant was made for shade. It loves morning sun with afternoon shade, or bright, open shade all day. It also handles deep shade under trees or on the north side of a home.
A quick tip: strong, hot sun can fade or scorch leaves. Instead of full sun, give it filtered light or a spot that gets only early light. The color shows best in soft light.
Soil and Water: Simple and Steady
Aucuba likes rich, well-drained soil. It is not picky, but it does not want soggy feet.
- Soil prep: mix in compost where you plant. This holds moisture and feeds the roots.
- Water: keep soil evenly moist for the first season. After that, water during long dry spells.
- Mulch: add 2–3 inches of bark or leaves around the base. Keep it off the stems. Mulch evens out moisture and keeps roots cool.
Heavy clay? Raise the plant a little above grade and mound soil so water can drain. Sandy soil? Add compost to help hold water.
Planting and Spacing
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the ground.
- Backfill with the soil you removed, mixed with compost.
- Water well to settle the roots.
- Mulch, leaving a small gap around the stems.
Spacing: set plants 3–5 feet apart for a solid hedge or mass. Give 4–6 feet if you want each plant to read as a single feature.
Berries and Pollination
Aucubas can carry bright red berries in fall and winter. To get berries, you need both male and female plants nearby. ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ can show fruit when a male Aucuba japonica is within bee range. If berries matter to you, pair it with a known male variety. If not, you will still love the leaves. They are the true show.
Cold, Heat, and Where It Thrives
- USDA Zones: 7–10 are ideal, with protection possible in warm parts of Zone 6.
- Heat: handles southern heat well in shade.
- Wind: cold, dry wind can mark leaves. Choose a sheltered spot if winters are sharp.
- Salt and city life: fairly tolerant, especially in protected sites.
In other words, if you garden in a warm or mild climate and have shade, this plant fits.
Care Calendar (Quick and Easy)
- Early Spring: prune for shape; feed with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer if growth looks light.
- Late Spring–Summer: water during dry spells; check mulch depth.
- Fall: top up mulch; enjoy the glow as days grow short.
- Winter: admire the evergreen color; no special work needed.
That’s it. No complex steps. No fussy rules.
Design Ideas We Love
Glow the entry. Flank a shaded front porch with two in tall urns. The gold centers catch even low evening light.
Layer the shade bed. Use ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ as a mid-story shrub behind hostas, ferns, and heucheras. The moon spots make the greens pop.
Soften foundations. Plant along the north side of a home. It hides pipes and boxes and keeps its color all year.
Woodland rhythm. Mix with hydrangeas, mahonia, autumn fern, lenten rose, and carex. The look is lush and calm.
Patio partner. Grow in a large container in bright shade. Add trailing ivy at the rim. Instant polish.
Great for Containers and Indoor Nooks
You can grow this aucuba in a large pot outdoors in shade. Use a high-quality potting mix and a pot with a drainage hole. Water when the top inch is dry.
In cold regions, some gardeners even bring pots into a cool, bright room for winter. Keep away from direct heat vents. Give bright, indirect light. Water lightly. It can act like a houseplant and carry that moon glow inside.
Tough by Nature, Gentle on Time
Life is busy. We get it. That is why we like plants that do more with less.
- Deer hesitant: the thick, leathery leaves are often left alone by deer.
- Pests: usually minimal. Watch for scale or mites in very dry, still air. A quick rinse or simple treatment solves it.
- Disease: good air flow helps avoid leaf spot. Do not overwater. Do not crowd.
Instead of extra work, you get extra color. That is a good trade.
Perfect Uses at a Glance
- Shade hedge or privacy screen
- Accent shrub near shade paths and patios
- Understory planting beneath trees
- Year-round color in north-facing beds
- Porch and entry containers
- Evergreen bones for four-season design
What You’ll Receive
We ship healthy, rooted plants grown with care. Each plant is selected for strong roots, full foliage, and true variety. We pack to protect leaves and stems, so your aucuba arrives fresh, hydrated, and ready to plant. Open the box, water, and place it in shade. That is all you need on day one.
Simple Tips for the Best Color
- Choose open shade or morning sun only.
- Keep soil evenly moist the first year.
- Renew mulch each spring.
- Prune lightly to keep a full shape and show off the gold centers.
- Pair with male aucuba nearby if winter berries are on your wish list.
These small steps give you big, lasting glow.
Common Questions, Quick Answers
Will it grow in deep shade?
Yes. It is one of the best shrubs for deep shade.
Will full sun hurt it?
Strong afternoon sun can scorch leaves. Choose shade or morning sun.
How often should I water?
Water to keep soil evenly moist at first. Once established, water during long dry spells.
Does it need pruning?
Only if you want to shape it. Light cuts in late winter are perfect.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes. Use a large container with drainage and place it in bright shade.
Will I get berries?
Aucuba needs both male and female plants for fruit. Add a male nearby for the best chance.
Why We Recommend ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’
We believe great gardens should feel easy and bright. This plant delivers both. The moon-gold center on each leaf is friendly and warm. The evergreen body gives structure when flowers fade. The shade habit solves tough spots with style. But most of all, it brings joy each time you walk past. You see the gold. You feel the calm. You know that corner is finally right.
How to Get Started Today
Pick your spot. Think shade, think good drainage, and think welcome glow. Plant one as a focal point near a bench. Plant three along a path for a soft guide. Or plant a pair by the porch to greet friends. After more than one season, you will wonder how you lived without that gentle moonlight in your garden.
Invite Moonlight Into Your Shade
Let’s make that dark corner sparkle. With Aucuba japonica ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’, we add light without lamps, warmth without heat, and color without fuss. You bring the spot. We bring the glow. Together, we turn shade into a calm, golden place you’ll love to visit every day.
