Aucuba Hosoba Hoshifu

Hosoba Hoshifu Japanese Hoshifu

A refined, evergreen shade shrub distinguished by its narrow, lance-shaped leaves dusted with fine yellow speckling. ‘Hosoba Hoshifu’ offers a more elegant, bamboo-like texture than broad-leaved aucubas, making it ideal for tight spaces and sophisticated shade plantings.

Key features



Width: 4–6 ft



Height: 6–8 ft



Foliage: Narrow, glossy dark green leaves with delicate yellow flecking



Form: Upright, open to moderately dense shrub



Texture: Fine to medium



Life cycle: Evergreen shrub



Growing conditions



Sun: Part shade to full shade (protect from hot afternoon sun)



Soil: Average, well-drained; adaptable to a range of soils



Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established



Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10



Landscape use



Shade foundations and entryways



Woodland and Asian-inspired gardens



Evergreen accents and screens



Containers (with winter protection in cooler areas)



Narrow spaces where broad-leaved shrubs feel heavy



Notes



Finer texture than typical aucubas—excellent contrast plant



Generally deer resistant



Foliage color holds best in shade



Female plants may set red berries if a male aucuba is nearby



Minimal pruning needed; shape lightly after spring growth

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

5-8'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

7–10

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Gold, Green

Fruit color

Brown

Soil

Loamy, Sandy

Landscape use

Mass Planting

Shape

Narrow Upright

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No