Aucuba

The genus Aucuba consists of small evergreen trees and shrubs, includes 3 species that are widely known for their decorative properties. The most common of them is the Japanese aucuba, or Golden tree (Aucuba japonica), a branching shrub up to 3-4 m high with opposite leathery glossy oval leaves of dark green color. Variegated decorative forms of this species are used everywhere. Olive-green flowers are collected in apical inflorescences. In winter, they are replaced by crimson-red, very decorative fruits-ellipsoid berries with one seed that appear only on female plants (this is a dioecious species, that is, plants are divided into female and male). There are decorative forms with leaves covered with yellow spots or transverse stripes.

The genus Aucuba consists of small evergreen trees and shrubs, includes 3 species that are widely known for their decorative properties. The most common of them is the Japanese aucuba, or Golden tree (Aucuba japonica), a branching shrub up to 3-4 m high with opposite leathery glossy oval leaves of dark green color. Variegated decorative forms of this species are used everywhere. Olive-green flowers are collected in apical inflorescences. In winter, they are replaced by crimson-red, very decorative fruits-ellipsoid berries with one seed that appear only on female plants (this is a dioecious species, that is, plants are divided into female and male). There are decorative forms with leaves covered with yellow spots or transverse stripes.

Cultivation

These plants are suitable for growing both in the open ground and in pots: outdoors or at home. When growing an aucuba in the garden, it is placed in partial shade and even in places that are unsuitable for other plants due to low light. Aucuba easily adapts both in coastal areas and in urban conditions with heavy environmental pollution. As an indoor crop, they are grown in large pots and even in low light. Use a soil mixture prepared from earth (50%), sand and peat taken in equal parts, apply a complete long-acting mineral fertilizer at the rate of 40 g per bucket of soil, and also neutralize peat by adding calcium carbonate (calcium carbonate) at the rate of 30 g per bucket. It tolerates a haircut.

These plants are suitable for growing both in the open ground and in pots: outdoors or at home. When growing an aucuba in the garden, it is placed in partial shade and even in places that are unsuitable for other plants due to low light. Aucuba easily adapts both in coastal areas and in urban conditions with heavy environmental pollution.

As an indoor crop, they are grown in large pots and even in low light. Use a soil mixture prepared from earth (50%), sand and peat taken in equal parts, apply a complete long-acting mineral fertilizer at the rate of 40 g per bucket of soil, and also neutralize peat by adding calcium carbonate (calcium carbonate) at the rate of 30 g per bucket. It tolerates a haircut.

Location

It is unpretentious and easily tolerates shade, but prefers partial shade.

Temperature

Aucuba is resistant to both high and low air temperatures.

Watering

When growing a plant in the open ground, it is watered during hot and dry periods, making sure that the water does not stagnate. When cultivated in a pot, water regularly, especially during the period of active growth-in spring and summer.

Transplant

Potted plants are transplanted annually at the end of winter into larger containers.

Care

Remove yellow or black-spotted leaves and trim unsightly or too long branches.

Reproduction

Propagate by seeds and cuttings. Most often, of course, cuttings are cut with 10-20-centimeter segments of shoots, taken from side branches; they are placed in an unheated cold greenhouse or mini-greenhouse, using drained soil from peat and agroperlite. Cuttings that have roots formed in the spring are then transplanted, usually in August-September, and the final planting is made the following spring.

Propagate by seeds and cuttings. Most often, of course, cuttings are cut with 10-20-centimeter segments of shoots, taken from side branches; they are placed in an unheated cold greenhouse or mini-greenhouse, using drained soil from peat and agroperlite.

Cuttings that have roots formed in the spring are then transplanted, usually in August-September, and the final planting is made the following spring.

Diseases

Plants are prone to rotting, and black spots often appear on the leaves, probably due to excessive humidity that occurs when the soil is poorly drained. It is important to avoid stagnation of water. In addition, the aucuba is often affected by pests such as worms, which are disposed of with the help of anticoccidial drugs.

Acquisition

Plants can be found in flower nurseries and gardening centers. Make sure that the foliage is in excellent condition, free of black spots and pests.