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Aucuba japonica 'Suruga Benten'
Japanese Aucuba
Plant Type:
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBSAucuba japonica 'Suruga Benten' - All dark green leaves are generously and irregularly splashed with cream. Considering the proportions of green to cream one could just as easily say that all milky cream leaves are splashed with dark green. No two leaves are alike. This is an exceptionally beautiful cultivar with marvelously chaotic coloring. And as compared to other Aucuba 'Suruga Benten' is a more compact shrub growing about 4 feet tall and wide. From the distance it will be a standout in the shady landscape, a great foil to shorter herbaceous companions, ferns and bloodroot come to mind. Very late day or early morning sun is fine with dappled to open shade during the mid-late morning through most of the afternoon. Draining fertile soil. Established potted Aucuba from cutting.
Characteristics and Attributes for Aucuba japonica 'Suruga Benten'
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Four Seasons
Nature Attraction
- Deer Resistant
Light
- Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
- Shade
Attributes
- Hedge
- Border
- Foundation
- Foliage
- Labyrinth
- Evergreen
- Cutting Garden
- Shrub Border
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Medium
Soil
- Fertile
- Organic
- Draining
Origins
- Garden Origin
Propagated By
- Cutting
Genus Overview: Aucuba
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.