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Aucuba
Common name: Spotted laurel
Aucuba is a tough evergreen shrub particularly useful for brightening shade. Its bold, glossy leaves, often splashed or speckled with yellow, provide strong foliage contrast where light levels are low.
After five years, it typically reaches: Typically 1–1.5 m tall with a similar spread after 5 years.
Recommended Compost: Use a multi‑purpose compost that retains moisture but drains well.
Aucuba is perfect for adding year‑round foliage interest in shaded areas.
| Growth Rate | Slow |
|---|
| Hardiness | RHS H5 (−15°C to −10°C). |
|---|---|
| Soil pH | Tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline soils |

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