AUCUBA JAPONICA CROTONIFOLIA

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Best in partial to full shade, making it ideal for dark garden corners or under tree canopies where few other shrubs thrive.

• Soil Preferences: Adapts to a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay types, provided they are free-draining.

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

• Moisture Needs: Prefers moist soil but can tolerate short dry spells once mature. Avoid sites prone to prolonged waterlogging.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn to allow roots to establish before extreme summer heat or winter cold.

• Spacing: For hedging, plant 1–1.5 metres apart; as a specimen shrub, allow room for a mature spread of up to 2 metres.

• Positioning Tips: Works well as a specimen plant, backdrop shrub, or evergreen hedge. Also excellent in large containers for shaded patios.

• Wind Tolerance: Tolerates sheltered coastal conditions and urban pollution, making it versatile in challenging sites.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first 1–2 years to promote strong root establishment.

  • Mature plants are low-maintenance but benefit from supplemental watering during extended dry periods.

• Feeding: Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer or mulch with well-rotted organic matter to encourage vigorous, healthy growth.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning required—remove dead, damaged, or crossing stems in late winter or early spring.

  • For hedges, light trimming after flowering will maintain a neat shape.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm mulch in spring to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds—keep mulch away from direct contact with stems to prevent rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest- and disease-free. Rarely affected by scale insects or leaf spot; good airflow and prompt removal of affected leaves will help prevent issues.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland. In exposed northern or inland locations, shelter from harsh winds to prevent leaf scorch.

• Propagation: Easily propagated from semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.

Foliage Appeal, Ornamental Value, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Large, glossy green leaves generously splashed with golden-yellow variegation—brightening shaded areas and adding a tropical touch year-round.

• Flowers: Small clusters of purplish-red flowers in spring, adding subtle seasonal interest.

• Berries: On female plants, bright red berries develop in autumn and persist into winter if a male plant is nearby for pollination.

• Evergreen Value: Maintains colour and structure all year, providing reliable backdrop planting in all seasons.

• Wildlife Benefits: Berries are enjoyed by birds, while flowers can attract early pollinators.

• Ornamental Value: Perfect for low-maintenance, shade-loving planting schemes. Combines durability with visual impact.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Excellent as a dense hedge or screen.

  • Works in mixed shrub borders for year-round colour.

  • Ideal for urban, shaded, or coastal gardens.

  • Suitable for large patio containers in sheltered, shaded spots.

• Growth and Size: Typically grows 1.5–3 metres tall with a spread of up to 2 metres; can be kept smaller with light pruning.

• Longevity: A hardy, long-lived shrub that remains attractive for decades with minimal attention.

• Companion Planting: Pairs well with ferns, hostas, hellebores, hydrangeas, and other shade-tolerant plants for layered interest.

• Size
  2 lt

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.