Japanese Laurel Aucuba japonica f. longifolia
ABOUT
Aucuba japonica f. longifolia, commonly known as the Japanese laurel, is a striking evergreen shrub. The most notable feature of this plant is its elongated leaves that are glossy and boast a bold green color with a leather-like texture. These leaves give the Japanese laurel a lush, dense appearance that can add a tropical touch to a garden or indoor space. The leaves often have speckles or blotches of a varying color, like yellow or cream, adding to its ornamental appeal. The leaf tips tend to be pointed, creating a slightly elongated shape compared to the typical Japanese laurel, hence the naming of this form. The margins of the leaves are generally smooth, without any serration. During certain times of the year, the Japanese laurel produces small, inconspicuous flowers that can be purple or red, and they often go unnoticed against the backdrop of the vivid foliage. These flowers may develop into berry-like fruits that can add an additional layer of visual interest. The fruits are usually red, although they can sometimes be a different shade depending on specific conditions or variations. Overall, the Japanese laurel has a robust and hardy appearance. Its shiny leaves can brighten up shady spots in outdoor landscapes or serve as a rich green foil for other plants in a mixed border. In terms of growth, the plant is known for its resilience and can adapt to a range of environmental conditions, making it a popular choice for gardeners and landscape designers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Garryaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Laurel, Spotted Laurel, Gold Dust Plant, Japanese Aucuba.
Common names
Aucuba japonica var. longifolia, Aucuba japonica 'Longifolia'.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common name for Aucuba japonica f. longifolia is Japanese laurel. It is generally not considered highly toxic to humans, but it may cause mild symptoms if ingested. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While it is not usually life-threatening, care should be taken to prevent ingestion, particularly by children, who may be more sensitive to the plant's compounds.
To pets
Japanese laurel is also not considered highly toxic to pets, but it can cause mild to moderate symptoms if pets ingest it. These symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, weakness. As with humans, it is unlikely to be life-threatening, but pet owners should prevent their animals from eating the plant to avoid these unpleasant symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Aucuba japonica 'Longifolia' features glossy evergreen leaves and a dense, bushy habit that adds aesthetic interest to the landscape.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in shady spots where other plants may struggle, making it ideal for understory planting or north-facing gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is relatively tolerant to dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Resistance to Pests: The Aucuba is generally resistant to common pests, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-draining, fertile soil.
- Privacy Screening: With its dense growth, it serves as an effective privacy screen or hedge.
- Wildlife Support: The berries provide a food source for birds during the winter months.
- Variety of Uses: It can be used in mixed borders, as a specimen plant, or in container gardens for versatile landscaping options.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aucuba japonica 'Longifolia', commonly known as Japanese laurel, can be used to create dense hedges due to its thick foliage, providing privacy and sound barriers in urban gardens.
- The glossy leaves of Japanese laurel can be variegated with gold or yellow spots, making it a popular ornamental plant for adding visual interest in shady landscape areas.
- In floristry, Japanese laurel branches are sometimes incorporated into floral arrangements for their attractive foliage and durability.
- The plant's tolerance to pollution and low maintenance requirements make it a suitable choice for planting in urban environments and alongside streets.
- Japanese laurel can be grown indoors in pots as a houseplant, especially in environments where sunlight is limited.
- The dense shrub can provide shelter and habitat for small birds and wildlife within gardens and parks.
- Used in bonsai cultivation, Aucuba japonica can be trained into miniature tree forms that mimic natural tree shapes in a smaller scale.
- In maritime regions, Japanese laurel can serve as a windbreak, helping to protect more sensitive plants from strong sea breezes.
- Its resistance to salt makes it a viable option for coastal landscaping where other plants might struggle to thrive.
- The wood of Japanese laurel, while not commonly used, could be employed in small woodworking projects or as part of mixed wood composting due to its organic decomposition properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Aucuba japonica is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Aucuba japonica is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Aucuba japonica, also known as Japanese laurel or spotted laurel, is known for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions and shaded areas, symbolizing endurance and the capacity to persist through hardships.
- Protection: With its glossy leaves and ability to survive in pollution, Japanese laurel has come to represent protection, suggesting a sheltering presence in one's life.
- Clarity: The contrasting colors of its leaves, often with bold spots of gold against green, convey clarity and focus, highlighting the plant's symbolic role in helping to see situations with a clear perspective.
WaterThe Gold Dust plant requires watering when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This may equate to watering approximately once a week, but it can vary depending on the environment and the size of the plant. Use lukewarm water and pour it slowly at the base of the plant until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. Roughly, an indoor Gold Dust plant in a 10-inch pot may need about 1 gallon of water every week during the growing season. Cut back on watering in the winter months to prevent root rot, watering only when the soil is dry several inches deep.
LightGold Dust plants thrive best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. They should not be placed in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the foliage. An ideal spot for a Gold Dust plant would be near a window with a sheer curtain to diffuse the light or in a well-lit room out of the direct path of the sun's rays.
TemperatureGold Dust plants prefer temperate conditions and do well in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to extremes can be harmful. Ideally, keep your Gold Dust plant away from drafts and sudden temperature changes for best growth.
PruningPruning Gold Dust plants helps to maintain their shape and to remove any dead or damaged foliage. It is best to prune the plant in the spring before new growth begins. Cut back any leggy branches to promote bushier growth. To encourage a full and dense plant, prune no more than one-third of the plant at a time. Always use clean, sharp pruning shears.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica) is a well-draining, fertile potting mix with a high content of organic matter. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5. You can create an ideal mix with equal parts of loam, peat, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure adequate drainage and aeration.
RepottingSpotted Laurel should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the roots have filled the pot. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one to give the roots room to grow, ensuring the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingSpotted Laurel thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 65%. If indoor air is too dry, use a humidifier or place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles to increase ambient moisture around the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Spotted Laurel in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Grow Spotted Laurel in partial to full shade; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleAucuba japonica f. longifolia, commonly known as the Japanese laurel, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after encountering suitable environmental conditions, will germinate and emerge as a seedling. The young plant will then enter a vegetative growth phase, developing roots, stems, and leaves, which in this variety are often elongated compared to other forms. As it matures, if environmental conditions are favorable, it enters an adult phase characterized by the development of flowers likely in late winter or early spring; these are small and purple-maroon, usually hidden amongst the leaves. After pollination, which may be facilitated by wind or insects, the plant produces berry-like fruit that turns red as it ripens and contains seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. The Japanese laurel is an evergreen plant and can live for many years, continuing to grow and go through cycles of flowering and fruiting annually. With time, the plant can reach considerable size and will continue to reproduce and grow until it encounters unfavourable conditions or reaches the end of its natural life span.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Aucuba japonica 'Variegata', commonly known as the Gold Dust plant or Japanese Laurel, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place during the summer months when the plant's growth is semi-ripe. To execute this method, a healthy branch is selected, then a cutting of around 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) is taken. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance the chances of successful rooting. The cutting is then planted in a mixture of peat and perlite and kept moist until roots develop. It's important to provide indirect light and maintain a consistent temperature to facilitate rooting, which may take several weeks.
