Aucuba japonica 'Marmorata'

Aucuba japonica 'Marmorata' is a bushy, rounded evergreen shrub with glossy green and yellow variegated leaves. In spring it bears small purple flowers, followed by clusters of red berries in autumn.

Like all laurels, Aucuba japonica 'Marmorata' will grow in shade, although its gold-blotched and finely-speckled leaves colour best in full sun. It thrives in most soils, including dry ground near hedges and trees. Shrubs may be strictly pruned as hedges, left to grow unchecked, or lightly trimmed to shape once annually, always using secateurs to avoid cutting the large leaves.

Read our full guide to growing aucuba.