Spotted Laurel

Spotted Laurel

2 Gallon
$84.90
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Spotted Laurel
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Spotted Laurel

Aucuba japonica 'Picturata'

A tough, shade-loving evergreen with bold gold-centered leaves for dramatic, year-round brightness.

$84.90
Container sizeSize guide 2 Gallon

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Description

Spotted Laurel 'Picturata' is a dazzling, bold-leaved evergreen shrub that serves as a luminous beacon in shady gardens. Its large, glossy leaves feature a brilliant, solid golden-yellow center surrounded by a wide, irregular dark green margin and occasional green spots within the gold. This striking "reverse variegation" creates an exceptionally bright and dramatic effect. Sharing the legendary toughness of the genus, it thrives in deep shade, drought, and poor soils, making it an unparalleled choice for adding vibrant, year-round color to challenging dark corners.

  • Striking Reverse-Variegated Foliage: Features large leaves with a bold, solid golden-yellow center and a contrasting wide, dark green margin, creating maximum visual impact.

  • Exceptional Shade Tolerance: The gold center acts like built-in sunlight, making it one of the most effective plants for brightening deep shade.

  • Dense, Rounded Habit: Forms a sturdy, compact mound of foliage, slowly reaching 4-6 feet in height and spread.

  • Extremely Low Maintenance: Tolerates drought, root competition, air pollution, and requires no pruning. Virtually pest-free.

  • Versatile Shade Solution: Ideal as a standalone specimen, for mass planting in dark woodland areas, or in large containers for shaded patios.

Quick Facts

Processed facts

  • Mature height: 4-6 ft
  • Mature spread: 4-6 ft

Needs confirmation

  • Features:Foliage: Glossy lanceolate leaves with bold golden-yellow speckles and serrated margins,Variegation: Exhibits "chameleon effect" - develops richer gold tones in deeper shade,Growth Habit: Compact, mounding evergreen
  • Growth Rate: Slow (6-8" annually)
  • Light Needs: Full shade to dappled sunlight
  • Key Advantages:Unparalleled shade tolerance,Urban environment adaptable,Drought resistant once established,Deer and rabbit proof,Air-purifying qualities
  • Landscape Uses:Understory plantings,Dark corner brightener,Evergreen foundation shrubs,Asian-inspired gardens,Container specimens

Faqs

Q: How does 'Picturata' differ from other spotted aucubas like 'Crotonifolia'?
A: 'Picturata' has a large, solid block of gold in the leaf center with a green margin. 'Crotonifolia' has a more speckled or mottled pattern of green on a yellow background. 'Picturata' offers a bolder, more graphic look.

Q: Will the gold color fade or burn in sun?
A: Yes, direct sun is detrimental. Plant it in partial to full shade to protect the leaves. The large golden area is highly susceptible to scorching in direct, especially afternoon, sun. In deep shade, the color remains vibrant.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A good garden starts with the right size

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2 Gallon

2 Gallon

A step up from starter plants, with more root development and a fuller appearance. A practical choice for perennials, grasses, shrubs and mixed garden planting without adding much weight.

Explore 2 Gallon Plants

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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