Aucuba japonica 'Sulphur' - This is one beautiful Japanese Aucuba! Dark green leaves sport contrasting sulfur yellow margins which mature creamy white. The halo of variegation is irregularly broad and consistently secures the rich green flame within. A female form, it will produce red fruit and at the winter solstice - well, the holiday colors are undeniable! Plant in rich draining loam sited in dappled to full open shade or grow it a pot and bring it indoors when the climate approaches cold as the days shorten. We expect that this beauty will grow from 4 to 6 feet at the far northern end of its range but taller and wider in the south. 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.