Japanese laurel (Aucuba japonica)

Also known as: Gold dust plant

Japanese laurel (Aucuba japonica) is originally native to Japan and Korea, thriving in moist woodlands and along streams. While it has been introduced as a garden plant in regions such as Europe, East Asia, and the US, it is considered invasive in Virginia, where it can disrupt local ecosystems.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Japanese laurel

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1 m to 5 m

Spread

1.5 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow Variegated

Flower Size

4 mm to 8 mm

Flower Color

Purple Red

Images of Japanese laurel

Quickly Identify Japanese laurel

Lustrous, leathery elliptical leaves with variegated patterns and opposite arrangement on stem.

Persistent red to burgundy fruit, providing vibrant display from autumn to spring.

Small flowers with four purple-maroon petals and white anthers, blooming in early spring.

Ellipsoid fruit, vivid red in color, drupe-like berries up to 1/2 inch in length.

Fleshy stem, deep green to brownish hue, up to 1 inch in diameter, suitable for propagation.

Scientific Classification of Japanese laurel

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Garryales

Family

Silk tassel

Genus

Aucuba

Species

Japanese laurel

Planting and Growing of Japanese laurel

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Japanese laurel?

Aucuba japonica requires about 500 milliliters of water per session. This amount ensures that the soil is moistened adequately without becoming waterlogged. The principle to follow is 'moist, not wet,' which means the soil should feel damp but not soggy after watering. Aim to thoroughly soak the root ball, allowing excess water to drain away.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Japanese laurel? ›

What should I do if my Japanese laurel is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Japanese laurel? ›

How to save an overwatered Japanese laurel? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Japanese laurel?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2-6 hours per day

Partial sun to full shade is best for Aucuba japonica, allowing it to thrive without excessive stress. This range supports strong, lush growth and keeps the leaves vibrant and robust against environmental stresses.

How much sun exposure is ideal for Aucuba japonica? ›

How can I achieve the ideal lighting for my Aucuba japonica? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting provide to Aucuba japonica? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Japanese laurel?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Aucuba japonica is between 60°F and 75°F. These temperatures provide the right balance for the plant’s metabolic rate, ensuring optimal growth and leaf coloration. At this temperature, the plant is able to photosynthesize effectively and maintain robust growth throughout the year.

What Soil is Best for Japanese laurel?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Acidic soil

Soil PH: 5.5 ~ 7.5

Aucuba japonica thrives in well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Ensuring good drainage helps the plant absorb nutrients efficiently, promoting lush and vibrant foliage. Although well-drained soil is important, this plant prefers soil that retains some moisture. This helps maintain consistent hydration, crucial for the plant's growth and leaf health. Aucuba japonica doesn’t require very rich soil but benefits from moderate fertility to support its growth. Balanced nutrients contribute to its resilience and sustaining its attractive foliage.

How to Fertilize Japanese laurel?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Aucuba japonica, it's crucial to provide an appropriate amount without overwhelming the plant. For liquid fertilizers, dilute the solution to half the recommended strength to avoid root burn. For slow-release fertilizers, use about 1 tablespoon per square foot around the plant's base, ensuring even distribution.

How to Prune Japanese laurel?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

When pruning Aucuba japonica, use a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears to make precise cuts. Sterilizing the tools before and after use can prevent the spread of plant diseases and ensure healthy growth. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Cut them back to the base or a healthy outward-facing bud. Focus on thinning out crowded branches to encourage airflow and light penetration, cutting them back to the main stem. To maintain the desired shape, trim the plant's outer edges evenly. You can shape your Aucuba japonica into a neat, round form or allow it to grow naturally for a more informal appearance. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage new growth.

How to Propagate Japanese laurel plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Choose a healthy stem with several leaves and a length of about 4-6 inches. Avoid older wood as it may not root as effectively. Use clean shears for cutting.

Dip the cut end of the stem cutting into rooting hormone to promote faster root development. Shake off excess hormone before planting it in the soil.

Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Ensure at least one node (a leaf joint) is buried to encourage root growth. Water the soil lightly.

How to Repot Japanese laurel plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Aucuba japonica shows signals like roots growing out of drainage holes or stunted growth. These are signs that it needs repotting. Spring and autumn are perfect as they provide moderate temperatures and growth conditions, ensuring minimal stress.

Select a pot just one size larger than the current one with good drainage holes. This ensures excess water escapes, preventing root rot. A slightly larger pot controls growth, focusing Aucuba's energy on establishing and thriving rather than uncontrolled expansion.

Use a well-draining, rich soil mix, ideally composed of peat, perlite, and compost. This mixture supports healthy root growth and moisture retention, without causing waterlogging. It provides nutrients Aucuba japonica needs for lush foliage.

Toxicity of Japanese laurel

Is Japanese laurel toxic to humans?

Japanese laurel is classified as a toxic plant that can be harmful to humans when consumed. The effects of ingestion tend to be mild. The berry-like fruits and leaves contain glycosides that can present a threat to individuals who ingest these parts of the plant. Symptoms can include mild fever, nausea, and vomiting. In survival scenarios, some individuals may eat this plant as a food source, inadvertently consuming the seeds and suffering from these adverse toxic effects. Additionally, some may confuse the berries with a non-toxic variety and inadvertently eat the harmful fruits.

Is Japanese laurel toxic to cat?

Japanese laurel presents a moderate risk of toxicity to cats. Ingestion of any part of the plant can result in poisoning. Since every part of the japanese laurel is toxic, cats may exhibit physical discomfort or indications of pain, necessitating close observation. It is vital for cat owners to keep their pets away from japanese laurel and to remain alert regarding its presence in their surroundings. If there is a suspicion that a cat has ingested japanese laurel, it is imperative to promptly seek veterinary treatment at a clinic.

Is Japanese laurel toxic to dog?

Japanese laurel presents a moderate toxicity threat to dogs. Ingestion of any portion of this plant can result in poisoning. Dogs may suffer from toxicity after chewing on pieces of japanese laurel, a scenario that might occur during their inquisitive exploration or accidental swallowing while outdoors. Typical symptoms of poisoning in dogs can encompass vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and lethargy. It is vital for pet owners to remain alert and keep their dogs away from japanese laurel. Should a dog consume japanese laurel, seeking prompt veterinary attention is imperative to secure the best possible outcome for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.