Aucuba japonica ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’

Description

Aucuba japonica ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ is an evergreen shade shrub with glossy green leaves marked by broad golden-yellow centers. It adds year-round color to north-facing beds, woodland plantings, shaded foundations, and large containers.

Light and Placement

Grow in bright shade, filtered light, or morning sun with afternoon shade. Strong hot sun can scorch or fade the foliage. For layered shade color, pair it with Heucherella ‘Alabama Sunrise’ or Heucherella ‘Gold Zebra’.

Soil and Water

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and keep the root zone evenly moist while plants establish. Established aucuba tolerates short dry periods better than waterlogged soil, so drainage remains important.

Growth and Pruning

Expect a rounded shrub that can reach several feet tall and wide over time. Light pruning can maintain shape, but avoid repeated hard shearing if you want the natural glossy foliage to remain the main feature.

Design in Shade

The bold variegated leaves work well as a background for finer-textured shade plants and can brighten dark corners throughout the year. Our small garden design guide offers more ideas for using strong foliage as a focal point.

Container Care

Use a large container with drainage holes and a quality potting mix. Water when the upper root zone begins to dry and protect container-grown plants from temperature extremes that are harsher than conditions in the ground.