Aucuba japonica 'Hosoba Hoshifu' (Variegated Aucuba)

'Hosoba Hoshifu' is a female cultivar of Aucuba japonica, also known as Japanese laurel, a showy evergreen shrub that grows well in shady locations to between four and six feet tall, producing long, shiny green leaves speckled liberally with bright yellow spots. As a female cultivar, 'Hosoba Hoshifu' will also produce showy red berries when planted near a male plant.

As a shady, ornamental evergreen, Aucuba japonica 'Hosoba Hoshifu' would be an excellent addition to shaded beds, or as a foundation plant. This Japanese laurel cultivar is also tolerant of salt and drought, adding the benefit of hardiness to its striking foliage.