Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' (Variegated Aucuba)

'Variegata' is a female cultivar of Aucuba japonica, also known as Japanese laurel or simply aucuba, a showy evergreen shrub that grows well in partial to full shade. The 'Variegata' cultivar grows to 4-6' tall and wide, and is noted for its production of long, shiny green leaves speckled liberally with attractive, bright yellow spots. In the early or mid-spring, Aucuba japonica produces inconspicuous red-purple flowers along its branches and when successfully pollinated, these flowers turn to bright red berries in the late fall. As a female cultivar, 'Variegata' will require a male pollinating partner like the 'Golden King' or 'Maculata' cultivars for successful berry production.

As a shady, ornamental evergreen, Aucuba japonica 'Variegata' makes an excellent addition to shaded beds and woodland gardens, and is a superb choice as a foundation plant due to its evergreen leaves, medium height, and ability to thrive in the shade of a large structure or other plants. This Japanese laurel cultivar is also tolerant of salt and drought, and is winter hardy to Zone 6b, adding the benefit of environmental and weather tolerance to its striking foliage.