Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’
Japanese Laurel 'Crotonifolia'
I hold the RHS | Award of Garden Merit
Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’ is a dependable evergreen for difficult shade, with large glossy leaves heavily splashed and spotted yellow. Small purple spring flowers on this female cultivar can be followed by bright red berries when a suitable male aucuba is growing nearby. Eventually around 1.5–2.5m high and wide, it gives dense year-round structure with very little fuss.
✅ Bold gold-speckled evergreen foliage
✅ Reliable in partial or full shade
⚠️ Red berries require a male aucuba nearby for pollination
Plant Details
Flowering Months
Size
- Max Height
- 1.5 m — 2.5 m
- Max Spread
- 1.5 m — 2.5 m
- Growth Habit
- Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Full Shade Part Shade
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- North East West
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Exposed / Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
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(−15 to −10 °C) Cold-hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Moist but permeable / Free draining
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
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- Coastal Areas
- Containers
- Architectural
- Banks / Slopes
- Hedging / Screening
- Merits
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- Drought Resistant
- Generally pest-free
- Low Maintenance
- RHS | Award Of Garden Merit
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