Aucuba japonica is commonly referred to as Nipponese genus Aucuba or Au - dust tree . It is a broadleaf evergreen bush that grow slowly . It grow in United States Department of Agriculture ’s ( USDA ) hardiness zone 6 to 10 . It is aboriginal to Japan , but is grown in gardens in Europe and the U.S.
Characteristics
The genus Aucuba is a slower growing evergreen but good watering and fertilizing can speed up the development rate . finally , it will hit tallness of 6 to 10 foot marvellous with a width of 4 to 5 feet . It has many stems with multiple shiny , leathery leaf . Some varieties have variegate or yellow - spotted leave . Aucuba plants are either distaff or male . The male plants have small purple blossom and the distaff flora produce red Berry .
Care
Aucuba plant are easy to produce and are drought- and pollution - resistant . They choose shade to thick shadowiness positioning , otherwise the leaves will burn in the Sunday . They prefer moist , well - drained soil that ’s fat in organic matter . Overhead watering can elevate disease , so piss from the bottom . Prune in leap before new growth begins . Pruning genus Aucuba can be to create heavy screenland in the landscape or to moderate growth size of it . They need light fertilize in the spring .
Usage
Aucuba works well in dark corners of the yard . The vary leaves can brighten or break up the dullness of dark areas when planted in grouping . With each plant being a separate sex , plant several females with one male nearby .
Aucuba is also a undecomposed container plant , in entry areas , as foundation plantings or under canopy of large tree . Acubuas can vie with the roots of other trees and shrubs for water and nutrient .
Diseases and Pests
Aucubas brook from several diseases and pest problems . Most of these problems have to do with the root . Crown rot is because of the fungus Sclerotium . The fungus attack plant at ground level in humid conditions . dim radioactive decay develops and moves up the stem . The leave droop and the plant dies . foliage problems can recrudesce , but commonly as a result of the beginning problem infect the plant .
ancestor putrefaction is due to a soil - borne fungi Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. citricola . The leave of absence droop the same as with crest rot but the stem waste more extensively . Infected plant with root putrefaction will die too .
nematode worm or small pear-shaped worms get the most ascendent damage in aucuabas . They produce rancour on the roots which reduce vigor and growth by interfering with plants taking up H2O and nutrient .
Control
Control should start with prevention . scrutinize plant for good for you roots and stems . Do n’t plant new plants where honest-to-goodness plants have died antecedently . Aucubas should not be planted too deep . Fertilize light and mulch , but not too close to the independent stem .
