I like my Aucuba green! . Aucuba japonica f. longifolia ‘Salicifolia’ (Willow Leaved Japanese/Spotted Laurel) and today’s #oneadayplant . While most Aucuba are strikingly variegated with irregular, golden speckling of the otherwise green leaves, there are several mercifully green leaved forms. I really struggle to like the variegated varieties, they are just too much for me and difficult to partner with other plants. Undeniably bright, cheery and impressive, just not my cup of tea. I do like the green leaved forms though and especially this one. Long, you might say ‘Willowy’, evergreen leaves. Much less likely to be scorched by early morning sun or late frosts than other varieties. . As you can see, Salicifolia is a female variety, so, providing that there is a male variety of Aucuba nearby, you should get these rather large red (inedible) berries forming in summer and ripening in autumn for winter interest. . Does better in light shade than anywhere else. Too much sun can bleach the foliage. As can very chalky soils. Really does well under a tree as long as not bone dry. . Like other Aucuba, it is a globose lump of a shrub, but I do love that foliage. Expect plants to grow to 1.5-2.5m (5-8’) in 10 years and potentially more thereafter. Clips very happily, but I tend to avoid as I want it to have a relatively natural form. . #aucuba #spottedlaurel #japaneselaurel #aucubajaponicasalicifolia #willow #evergreen #shrub #berries #fruits #foliage #plant #plantingdesign #iplantsman #gardens #gardening #gardeningtips #gardeningadvice #easyyogrow (at Crowborough, East Sussex) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIAt3-GA3YU/?igshid=fyy88u1at1f7
