This spotted leaved aucuba grows slowly as a dense rounded evergreen shrub. It prefers rich, moist well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Flowers appear in the in early spring and the foliage glossy, green blotched with yellow providing year-round interest. It is used as a potted house plant in the north. They can tolerate heavy shade, air pollution and poor soils. Their showy leaves are most colorful in the full shade and they provide a pop of color in dark corners as well as some interest during the winter months. Propagate it by stem cutting or seed, but propagating from cutting ensures that you maintain the coloring of the plant. In cold climates, it may die back in the winter.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Fairly problem-free. Mealybugs, scale, and nematode are occasional problems. Southern blight or fungal leaf spots do occur. Root rot happens in poorly drained or very wet soils.