Monrovia Sunny Daze Japanese Laurel
Best evergreen shrub for brightening shaded garden corners and containers.
This evergreen is the ultimate fix for those neglected, dark corners of your garden that struggle to support color. It is a slow-growing, low-maintenance gem that trades rapid expansion for year-round, high-impact variegation.
$49.99
at
Armstrong Garden Centers (Shop)
Who it's for
- Property owners living in areas with high deer populations
- Homeowners seeking vibrant foliage throughout the winter season
- Gardeners looking to brighten dark, shaded landscape corners
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-sized landscape impact
- Beginners struggling to balance specific light requirements
- Gardeners working with heavy, poorly draining clay soils
Performance breakdown
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in dim corners where most flowering shrubs struggle to survive.
Foliage Vibrancy
Variegated leaves provide a consistent, high-contrast pop of color year-round.
Maintenance Ease
Slow growth rate minimizes the need for frequent or aggressive pruning.
Versatility
Adapts seamlessly from foundation beds to decorative patio containers.
Drought Resilience
Requires consistent moisture until established, then handles drier spells gracefully.
Design Impact
Adds architectural structure and brightness to woodland or shaded garden themes.
Key Specs
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Genus Name
Aucuba
Growth Rate
Slow
Mature Height
4 feet
Mature Width
4 feet
Light Needs
Shade, Partial Shade
USDA Hardiness Zone
Zone 7
Plant Form
Mounding
Water Requirement
Moderate
Drought Tolerant
False
Know before you buy
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Ask Metto anything about the Monrovia Sunny Daze Japanese Laurel before you decide.
