Spotted Laurel Hedge (Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia')

Spotted Laurel Hedge Description

Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica) is an eye-catching evergreen hedge plant, prized for its large, glossy leaves that are splashed with vibrant yellow or gold spots. This unique foliage brings colour and brightness to shaded areas of the garden where many other plants struggle to thrive. Spotted Laurel is perfect for creating low to medium-height hedges, offering a striking and low-maintenance option for garden boundaries, screens, or ornamental hedging.

The growth rate of Spotted Laurel is slow to moderate, typically growing 20 to 30 centimetres per year. It can reach a height of 1.5 to 3 metres if left untrimmed, making it suitable for both small and medium-sized hedges. Spotted Laurel is highly tolerant of shade, thriving in full or partial shade, and prefers well-drained soil. It is also exceptionally hardy, coping well with cold temperatures and urban pollution, making it ideal for city gardens.

Benefits

Spotted Laurel offers several benefits as a hedge plant. Its colourful, evergreen foliage provides year-round interest and is particularly valuable in darker areas of the garden where other plants may not flourish. The dense structure of the hedge also offers excellent privacy and shelter for wildlife. Additionally, Spotted Laurel is drought-tolerant once established and requires little maintenance, making it an easy-care choice for busy gardeners. Its resistance to pests and diseases further adds to its appeal.

Pruning Advice

To maintain the neat and tidy appearance of a Prunus Etna hedge, it should be pruned once or twice a year. The best time to prune is in late spring or early summer, after the plant’s initial flush of new growth. Light trimming will help to shape the hedge and encourage bushier growth. Prune back any overgrown sections and remove damaged or dead branches. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as this can slow down regrowth and affect the hedge’s overall appearance.

With its attractive foliage, moderate growth rate, and year-round coverage, Prunus Etna is an ideal choice for creating a beautiful, low-maintenance hedge that provides privacy, structure, and seasonal interest in any garden.

Further Information

Planting distances are largely a matter of preference. For bare root plants, spacing them at 3 plants per meter is sufficient, 5 plants is optimal, and 7 plants in a double staggered row will result in a denser hedge more quickly. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at a higher density. For cell-grown plants, spacing at 4 plants per meter in a single row or ideally 6 plants per meter in a staggered row is recommended.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.