Aucuba japonica 'Picturata'

Picturata Aucuba

A distinctive evergreen shade shrub known for its large, glossy leaves with bright golden-yellow centers surrounded by dark green margins. ‘Picturata’ offers a bold, almost painted look and is one of the most striking foliage aucubas for deep shade landscapes.

Key features



Width: 6–8 ft



Height: 8–10 ft



Foliage: Dark green leaves with bold golden-yellow central blotches



Form: Upright, dense, rounded shrub



Texture: Coarse



Life cycle: Evergreen shrub



Growing conditions



Sun: Part shade to full shade (avoid direct hot sun)



Soil: Average, well-drained; adaptable



Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established



Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10



Landscape use



Shade foundations and hedges



Woodland and shade gardens



Evergreen screens and backdrops



Containers (with protection in colder zones)



Bold foliage accent plant



Notes



Exceptional foliage contrast in deep shade



Generally deer resistant



Female cultivar; produces bright red berries if a male aucuba is nearby



Protect from winter winds and intense sun exposure



Minimal pruning; best shaped in spring



 

Plant type

Evergreen Shrub

Height

8-10'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

7–9

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Dark Green, Yellow

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Broad Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No