Photo of Aucuba japonica 'Alabai' foliage by Evan Bean

Photo by Evan Bean

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Aucuba japonica 'Alabai'

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 6'-10'
  • W: 6'-10'

planting zones

  • 6b-10b

Aucuba japonica 'Alabai' plant details

Aucuba japonica 'Alabai' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with gold, green and variegated foliage. In winter purple flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with bright shade - shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aucuba japonica 'Alabai'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: garryaceae
Foliage: evergreen gold, green and variegated
Mature size: 6 FT - 10 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in winter
Uses: spotted leaves

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aucuba japonica 'Alabai'

USDA Zones: 6b - 10b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A Cistus introduction. This selection from an old north Portland watering hole of the same name offers very large leaves of 6 inches or more of dark green adorned with creamy yellow polka dots, seeming to swirl before ones eyes a wonderful echo of many a late night patron leaving the premises. To 8 feet or more adding bold texture to a shady garden spot. This plant is male with small purple flowers adding interest in late winter. Drought tolerant though summer water speeds growth. Zone 7, if not 6.

Gardening facts about Aucuba japonica 'Alabai' plant

How to Grow Aucuba japonica 'Alabai'

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • gold
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Aucuba for your garden

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Zones

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Size

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Width: 3'-4'

  • bright shade - shade
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Size

Height: 8'-10'

Width: 8'-10'

  • bright shade - shade
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aka Japanese Aucuba, Japanese Laurel, Spotted Laurel

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

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Size

Height: 6'-10'

Width: 6'-10'

  • bright shade - shade
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Plant Type

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Zones

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Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 4'-6'

  • bright shade - shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
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