Aucuba Golden King Plant (5L Pot)

A versatile collection of evergreen Japanese Laurel shrubs, prized for their glossy foliage, year-round structure and ability to brighten difficult garden spaces, perfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens and low-maintenance landscaping.

Aucuba varieties are among the most reliable evergreen shrubs for British gardens, thriving where many other plants struggle. Both Crotonifolia and Golden King feature striking gold-splashed foliage that provides colour and interest throughout the year, even in deep shade. Their dense, bushy growth habit creates excellent structure in borders and foundation plantings, while mature plants typically reach 1.5–2.5 m tall and wide, forming attractive, long-lived shrubs that require very little maintenance once established.

Our Aucuba plants are professionally grown in high-quality peat-free compost and freshly delivered directly from our UK nursery in Yorkshire, in plastic-free, giftable packaging. Supplied as large, garden-ready specimens in generous 7.5-litre pots, they feature strong, well-developed root systems that establish quickly and provide dependable evergreen interest for many years to come.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Aucuba japonica
• Common Name: Japanese Laurel / Spotted Laurel
• Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
• Plant Size: Large Plant Supplied in 7.5-Litre Pot (26 cm Pot)
• Mature Height: Approx. 1.5–2.5 m
• Mature Spread: Approx. 1.5–2.5 m
• Growth Habit: Dense, Bushy, Upright Shrub
• Foliage: Glossy Evergreen Leaves with Golden Variegation (Variety Dependent)
• Flowering Period: Spring
• Flower Colour: Small Purple-Red Flowers
• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade; Tolerates Sun in Moist Soils
• Soil Type: Fertile, Moist but Well-Drained Soil
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment and prolonged dry periods
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage
• Hardiness: Fully Hardy Evergreen Shrub
• Wildlife Value: Flowers attract pollinators and female plants may produce ornamental red berries when pollinated
• Best Uses: Shaded Borders, Woodland Gardens, Foundation Planting, Evergreen Hedging, Courtyard Gardens, Low-Maintenance Landscapes
• Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning; trim lightly in spring or early summer to maintain shape and size. 

Free UK Delivery on Every Order

All orders placed Monday–Thursday before 2pm are packed the next working day and delivered within 24 hours of dispatch.

Example: Order on Monday → packed Tuesday → delivered Wednesday.

Orders placed Friday–Sunday are packed and shipped on Monday. We don't dispatch on weekends to ensure your plants travel fresh.

How Your Plants Arrive
Every plant is individually wrapped in our plastic-free packaging and secured in a custom box designed to keep them upright and protected in transit. If anything arrives damaged, get in touch — we'll replace it.

Returns
Not happy? Contact us within 14 days of delivery and we'll sort it out. See our full returns policy here.