Aucuba japonica “male” - Glossy, deep green leaves are long and strap-shaped on this selected male clone. Interestingly, ours flowered for the first time in 2015. By late season all of our multiple female clones adjacent to the males exhibited displays of rich red "berries" the size of grapes. If you want the beautiful clustered red berries at the tops of stems which contrast strikingly with the evergreen leaves then you need a male – and this is a good one. Yes – this is another genus of plants that is dioecious with separate male and female plants like hollies (Ilex) and bayberries (Morella). Set this boy adjacent to or among your girls and let the party begin! Fertile, draining soil sited in full to part shade. Spring planting would be wise unless to be pot grown in a conservatory. Cutting grown.
The Japanese Aucuba now comes in many different forms. They are very useful broadleaf evergreens where they can be grown making beautiful hedges, components in foundation gardens or in mixed company. They prefer siting in dappled to fully open shade but can tolerate some morning sun. Winter shade is a basic need for healthier looking foliage; winter sun can wash out foliage making the leaves look sickly. All Aucubas prefer fertile draining soil with added organic matter. They can tolerate some drought once established. All of the following cultivars are cutting grown.