Picturata Aucuba

Picturata Aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Picturata')

Picturata Aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Picturata') is a striking evergreen shrub celebrated for its bold, tropical-looking foliage splashed with vibrant gold centers and deep green margins. This shade-tolerant cultivar brings year-round color and texture to dark garden corners, foundation beds, and containers. With its glossy, leathery leaves and slow-growing, rounded form, 'Picturata' is a standout choice for brightening low-light areas where other shrubs may struggle.

Distinctive Features

'Picturata' features large, oval leaves with dramatic golden-yellow centers and irregular dark green borders, creating a high-contrast variegated effect. Its evergreen foliage holds up well in both cold and heat, and the plant maintains a dense, mounded habit, maturing at 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. Female plants may produce small red berries if a male Aucuba is planted nearby, adding further ornamental value in winter.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade; foliage color may bleach in full sun.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soils; tolerant of urban conditions and poor soils.
• Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established but appreciates consistent moisture.
• Humidity: Performs well in both humid and dry conditions with adequate watering.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10; evergreen in mild climates and semi-evergreen in colder zones.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Bold foliage color creates a dramatic effect in shaded garden beds.
• Foundation Beds: Brightens low-light areas around buildings and under eaves.
• Shade Gardens: Pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas, and hellebores in dappled light.
• Containers: Excellent choice for pots and planters in shaded patios or entries.
• Mixed Evergreen Borders: Adds foliage contrast and evergreen structure to shrub compositions.

Low Maintenance Care

Picturata Aucuba is highly adaptable and easy to care for. It thrives with minimal attention and is ideal for difficult shade areas where other plants may falter.

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; mulch helps retain soil moisture.
• Pruning: Prune lightly in spring to shape or control size; remove any winter-damaged foliage as needed.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring for healthy growth.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free and deer resistant; tolerant of pollution and urban environments.
• Winter Care: In colder zones, protect from harsh winter winds to prevent leaf scorch.

Why Choose Picturata Aucuba?

Picturata Aucuba delivers bold color, evergreen presence, and reliable performance in shaded conditions, making it an indispensable shrub for challenging garden spots.

• Vivid Variegated Foliage: Golden-centered leaves brighten even the darkest corners.
• Shade Tolerant: Thrives where many flowering or evergreen shrubs fail.
• Year-Round Interest: Evergreen leaves and potential red berries provide four-season appeal.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to grow with minimal pruning or pest concerns.
• Versatile Use: Fits beautifully into foundation plantings, containers, and woodland settings.

For vibrant foliage color and dependable performance in shaded gardens, Picturata Aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Picturata') is a bold and beautiful evergreen that earns its place in any well-designed landscape.