Emily Rose Aucuba

Emily Rose Aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Emily Rose')

Emily Rose Aucuba is a shade-loving evergreen shrub with thick, glossy green leaves and a dense, upright habit that adds reliable year-round color to dim sites. In fall and winter, female plants can display showy red berries when a compatible male aucuba is nearby.

Distinctive Features

Leathery, lustrous foliage brightens low light, while the potential for vivid red fruit provides seasonal contrast in sheltered locations.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Shade to part shade; protect from hot afternoon sun and winter wind.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, organic-rich soil; tolerates dry shade once established.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then water during prolonged dry periods.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 10.
• Mature Size: 4 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Glossy evergreen leaves and winter berries draw attention in shaded entries.
• Foundation Planting: Provides structure on north and east exposures.
• Shade Hedge: Forms a dense, low-maintenance screen in dappled light.
• Woodland Borders: Pairs well with ferns, hellebores, and hydrangeas.
• Containers: Performs in sheltered pots with consistent moisture and drainage.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply to establish; supplement in extended drought to prevent leaf scorch.
• Pruning: Tip prune or thin lightly after spring growth to shape; avoid hard cuts into old wood.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer or compost in early spring.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 in mulch layer to conserve moisture and protect roots.
• Notes: Site out of winter wind; plant near a male aucuba for reliable berry set.

Why Choose Emily Rose Aucuba?

• Shade Brightener: Glossy foliage adds color where many shrubs struggle.
• Evergreen Structure: Year-round leaf gloss anchors shaded plantings.
• Seasonal Interest: Potential red berries enhance winter display.
• Urban Tolerant: Adapts to dry shade and splash in protected sites.
• Low Upkeep: Minimal pruning and straightforward moisture needs.

Plant in shade to part shade with protection from wind, keep soil evenly moist during establishment, and prune lightly to maintain a dense, polished silhouette.