Table of Contents
Can you prune Aucuba japonica?
Aucuba (spotted laurel) Although fruiting spotted laurels are best pruned during March or April, non-fruiting male varieties, such as Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’, can be pruned now. Initially, prune back new growth by about one-third to promote bushy growth.
Can aucuba be hard pruned?
When to Prune Aucuba. Due to the slow growth rate, Aucuba japonica rarely requires trimming. Although the plant needs little maintenance, it does respond well to pruning to maintain size and a compact form. The plant is a broadleaf evergreen, which should be pruned in early spring for best results.
How do you look after Aucuba japonica?
Clean up plants as necessary by snipping off broken, dead, and diseased foliage and twigs. Aucuba shrubs have moderate drought tolerance, but they grow best in moist soil. Water often enough to keep the soil moderately moist using cold water. Hot water from a hose that has been left in the sun can encourage disease.
Do aucuba have deep roots?
As is true of all drought-tolerant plants, Aucuba needs to be irrigated regularly for the first few months to allow it to grow a deep enough root system to compete. After that, Aucubas rarely need to be watered, even if they’re growing under giant conifers.
Should I fertilize aucuba?
In The Landscape: Fertilize Aucuba growing in the ground at rates recommended on the product label with a slow-release shrub & tree type fertilizer that contains iron and/or sulfur for deep greening. Alternatively, you can feed plants with an organic plant food.
How do you prune an Acuba?
Cut branches on the aucuba back selectively in late winter or early spring, if desired. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut the plant’s stems back by up to one-third of their length. Make cuts just above where the stem meets another branch or a leaf node.
Can I take cuttings from a japonica?
Rooting Fatsia Japonica Cuttings An 8-inch stem with semimature growth at the base and some smaller leaves at the tip makes an ideal cutting. Snip off the cutting just below a set of leaves using a pair of sanitized pruning shears. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
Are aucuba acid loving?
Aucuba tolerates a wide range of soil pH between 4.5 to 8.0 on the pH scale. That said, they grow best in a moderately acid to neutral soil ranging between 6.0 to 7.0 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
What compost do you use for cuttings?
peat free compost, and either sharp sand, horticultural grit or vermiculite. These added materials make the compost more free draining so water doesn’t soak the compost and rot the cuttings. This is vital. tap firmly on a hard surface to settle.
How do I prune my Aucuba japonica?
The Aucuba japonica tolerates heavy pruning without any problems and recovers fairly quickly. At this time I would prune the plant back 1/3 of its size. Prune the stems back to within an inch or so of a leaf bud. This way you won’t end up with a plant with ugly leafless stems sticking out.
What is another name for Aucuba japonica?
Aucuba (Aucuba japonica) is also commonly known as Japanese aucuba, gold-dust plant, gold spot aucuba or Japanese laurel.
How do you plant Japanese aucuba?
Japanese aucuba plants survive winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 10. Well-drained soil. The ideal soil is moist with a high organic content, but the plants tolerate almost any soil, including heavy clay, as long as it is well-drained.
Where can I get Aucuba plant advice?
Get advice from the experts at Wilson Bros Gardens for how to plant, prune, fertilize and water Aucuba shrubs and plants My Account Home About Contact Us Gift Certificates Expert Advice