Spotted Laurel Hedge (Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia')

Spotted Laurel Hedge Description

Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica) is a distinctive evergreen hedge plant valued for its bold variegated foliage and ability to thrive in shaded areas. Its glossy green leaves speckled with bright yellow markings create colour and contrast throughout the year, making it an attractive choice for UK gardens.

This hardy hedge plant is particularly effective in areas with limited sunlight, where many other evergreen hedges may struggle. It is ideal for:

• Low to medium-height hedging
• Garden borders
• Screening
• Woodland-style planting schemes

Spotted Laurel has a moderate growth rate of around 20–40cm per year and can grow up to 3 metres tall if left untrimmed. Its dense foliage helps create privacy and shelter while maintaining year-round structure in the garden.

During spring, small maroon flowers appear, followed by vibrant red berries in autumn and winter, adding additional seasonal interest.

Once established, Spotted Laurel is drought tolerant, low maintenance, and highly resistant to urban pollution, making it suitable for both suburban and city gardens.

Pruning Advice

Spotted Laurel benefits from light pruning once or twice a year to maintain a neat shape and encourage healthy growth.

When to prune:

• Late spring or early summer after the first flush of growth
• Optional light trim in late summer if needed

How to prune:

• Remove any damaged, overcrowded, or wayward branches using clean secateurs
• Light shaping helps encourage denser foliage and a tidier hedge

Avoid heavy pruning during late autumn, as fresh growth may be vulnerable to frost damage.

• Evergreen Coverage: Provides year-round colour and structure
• Shade Tolerant: Excellent choice for darker garden areas and north-facing spaces
• Variegated Foliage: Bright yellow-speckled leaves add contrast and visual interest
• Low Maintenance: Easy to care for once established
• Wildlife Friendly: Dense growth offers shelter for birds and garden wildlife
• Urban Tolerant: Handles pollution and exposed conditions well

Spotted Laurel is especially useful for adding colour to shaded gardens where many evergreen hedge plants struggle to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spotted Laurel good for shade?

Yes, Spotted Laurel is one of the best evergreen hedge plants for shaded or partially shaded gardens.

How fast does Spotted Laurel grow?

It typically grows around 20–40cm per year, making it a moderate-growing hedge.

Is Aucuba japonica evergreen?

Yes, Spotted Laurel is fully evergreen and provides year-round coverage and colour.

Does Spotted Laurel produce berries?

Yes, mature plants can produce bright red berries from autumn into winter.

Can Spotted Laurel grow in pots?

Yes, it can be grown in large containers if provided with well-drained soil and regular watering.

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.