{"product_id":"aucuba-japonica-variegata","title":"Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariegated Japanese Laurel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"282\"\u003eAucuba japonica\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Variegata’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Garryaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan \u0026amp; East Asia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAucuba japonica ‘Variegata’ is a highly valued shade-tolerant foliage shrub, ideal for brightening the darker parts of Adelaide gardens. Its glossy green leaves splashed with gold variegation create instant contrast and lushness, even in deep shade where few ornamental shrubs thrive. Slow-growing, long-lived and very low-maintenance, it tolerates heat, coastal conditions and dry shade once established, making it perfect for courtyards, shaded entries, under trees and protected alfresco areas. Small purple-red flowers may appear in spring, followed by ornamental red berries on female plants when pollinated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.2–2 m H × 1–1.5 m W (compact, rounded shrub)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–30 cm per year under good conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glossy green leaves heavily speckled and splashed with golden-yellow variegation; evergreen; foliage may deepen in colour during winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers: \u003c\/strong\u003eSmall purple-red clusters in spring; ornamental red berries on female plants if a male pollinator is present\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"95\" data-end=\"109\"\u003eFragrance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not considered fragrant; flowers have no notable scent and foliage is non-aromatic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Year-round evergreen foliage with striking gold-variegated colour; winter foliage deepens slightly in tone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers offer light pollinator interest; berries (if produced) attract birds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent shade tolerance; heat-tolerant in shaded sites; wind-tolerant; coastal-tolerant in sheltered positions; tolerates dry shade once established; light frost-hardy; avoid harsh afternoon sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Density:\u003c\/strong\u003e For borders or screening: 1 plant per 1–1.5 m², or 1–1.2 m apart for a continuous line\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally considered non-toxic; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere It Works Best\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best in full shade to part shade; protect from strong afternoon sun in SA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist, well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates improved clay; prefers organic-rich soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Establishment: 2 deep soaks\/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: water every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); minimal watering needed in winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very low. Mulch in spring; prune lightly after winter to shape; feed with slow-release fertiliser in early spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–40+ years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suited to temperate \u0026amp; Mediterranean SA gardens — ideal for Adelaide Plains, foothills and coastal suburbs (with protection from strong sun)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acid to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline soils with organic improvement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape \u0026amp; Design Ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright, variegated foliage shrub for deep or dry shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderplanting beneath deciduous or evergreen trees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShaded courtyards, side passages or protected alfresco areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContrast plant with dark-green shrubs or ferns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFoundation planting near entries or shaded walls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You Will Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAucuba ‘Variegata’ thrives where many plants fail — in full shade, dry shade and protected coastal positions — while providing year-round colour through its striking gold-speckled foliage. Tough, elegant and incredibly low-maintenance, it’s a reliable choice for brightening shaded Adelaide garden spaces with minimal effort.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adelaide Plant Co","offers":[{"title":"140mm Pot","offer_id":48603303379196,"sku":"AUCU-JAPO-VARI-140MM","price":14.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9282\/0220\/files\/aucuba-japonica-variegata-japanese-laurel-140mm-flower-adelaide-plant-co.png?v=1765690149","url":"https:\/\/adelaideplantco.com.au\/products\/aucuba-japonica-variegata","provider":"Adelaide Plant Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}