AUCUBA jap. 'Crotonifolia Gold'

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for darker areas of the garden where other plants may struggle.

• Soil Preferences: Adapts to most soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they are well-drained.

• pH Range: Performs well in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0–7.5).

• Moisture Needs: Prefers evenly moist soil but can tolerate short dry spells once established. Avoid waterlogging.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn to give roots time to establish before extreme temperatures.

• Spacing: Allow 1.2–1.5 metres between plants when using in borders or hedges.

• Positioning Tips: Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or as an evergreen screen. Also works well in large containers for patios or shaded courtyards.

• Wind Tolerance: Tolerates urban pollution and coastal winds, making it versatile for many locations.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first 1–2 years to establish strong roots.

  • Mature plants are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from watering in prolonged dry periods.

• Feeding: In spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or mulch with organic matter to promote lush, healthy foliage.

• Pruning:

  • Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove any damaged or untidy growth.

  • For hedging, shape after flowering to maintain form and encourage dense growth.

• Mulching: Apply a 5 cm layer of mulch around the base in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds—keep mulch away from stems to avoid rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free. Occasionally susceptible to scale insects or leaf spot—remove affected leaves and treat early if needed.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy in most of the UK and Ireland. In very cold areas, shelter from harsh winds to prevent leaf scorch.

• Propagation: Easy to propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.

Foliage Appeal, Ornamental Value, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Large, glossy green leaves splashed with golden-yellow variegation, giving a tropical, decorative look even in deep shade.

• Flowering: Small purple-red flowers appear in spring, followed by bright red berries on female plants if a male pollinator is nearby.

• Evergreen Value: Provides reliable, year-round structure and colour in shaded garden spots.

• Wildlife Benefits: Berries can be a food source for birds in winter.

• Ornamental Value: Adds brightness and texture to shaded areas where colourful planting options are limited.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Perfect for shaded foundation plantings or under larger trees.

  • Excellent as a low-maintenance hedge or privacy screen.

  • Suitable for container planting in sheltered, shaded patios or entrances.

• Growth and Size: Moderate growth rate, typically reaching 1.5–2.5 metres tall and wide, forming a dense, bushy shrub.

• Longevity: Long-lived and low-maintenance once established, thriving for decades with minimal care.

• Companion Planting: Pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas, heucheras, and shade-loving hydrangeas for a layered, textured effect.

• Size
  5L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.