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Why is my aucuba wilting?
Some of the aucuba have leaves that are turning black and wilting. They are suffering from Phytophthora root rot, a soil disease that commonly affects azalea, rhododendron and aucuba shrubs. The fungus itself is present in most soils. There is no way to eliminate it.
Why do aucuba leaves turn black?
Water-Related Blackening One of their most serious complaints, aucuba blackening, occurs during wet winters on plants in poorly drained soils. As their roots succumb to excessive moisture, the shrubs’ new leaves develop black, saturated tips.
How often should I water my aucuba?
Water a newly planted aucuba deeply once every week, providing enough moisture to soak the roots. Let the soil dry between each watering. Once the plant becomes established and shows new growth, decrease watering to every other week.
Can you divide aucuba?
Tree-like shrubs can often be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or layering; but can’t be increased by division. Cane type shrubs include some aucuba, shrub dogwoods, forsythia, lilacs, nandina, potentilla, skimmia, and spirea. Depending on how they grew, it may be possible to divide and propagate these shrubs.
How do you prune aucuba?
Cut branches on the aucuba back selectively in late winter or early spring, if desired. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut the plant’s stems back by up to one-third of their length. Make cuts just above where the stem meets another branch or a leaf node.
How fast does aucuba grow?
Assuming growth conditions are ideal, the aucuba japonica plant can reach its maturity in up to 20 years. It can reach as high as 15 feet tall, though it generally grows to be 10 feet.
How quickly does Aucuba grow?
Laurel. Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’ is a versatile evergreen shrub suitable for almost anywhere in the garden. Slow-growing, it will only reach 1.8m after 10 years if left unpruned.
What’s the best way to care for an Aucuba plant?
Aucuba plant care is easy if you select a good location. Here is a list of ideal aucuba growing conditions: Shade. Deeper shade means brighter leaf color. Plants tolerate partial shade, but leaves turn black if they get too much sun. Mild temperatures. Japanese aucuba plants survive winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 10.
What’s the best way to soak an Aucuba?
After setting your Aucuba in the planting hole, use one hand to hold the plant straight and your other hand to begin back-filling your soil mixture around the root ball, tamping as you go to remove air pockets. When you have filled the hole to the halfway point you can soak the soil.
When is the best time to care for Aucuba?
The plant can withstand coastal conditions, pollution and dry soils. The fruit of the Aucuba is seen in the fall months, while the summer produces bright green foliage. Since the plant is hardy to almost any condition, caring for this plant is easy.
What kind of soil does a Japanese aucuba need?
Japanese aucuba plants survive winters in USDA plant hardiness zones 7b through 10. Well-drained soil. The ideal soil is moist with a high organic content, but the plants tolerate most any soil, including heavy clay, as long as it is well drained. Plant the shrubs 2 to 3 feet apart.