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Petite Jade Aucuba - 2 Gallon

SKU: 2036795
UPC: 014949206881
$34.99
  • Exceptional shade performer with glossy green foliage that deepens in color as it matures.
  • Compact, rounded evergreen habit with strong blight resistance—ideal for low-stress landscaping.
  • Perfect for mass plantings, foundation beds, and formal designs in full shade.
  • Slow growing and drought tolerant once established—great for “dry shade” spots.

Petite Jade Aucuba (Aucuba japonica ‘Petite Jade’) is a standout Japanese laurel selected for its compact, rounded shape, glossy evergreen foliage, and exceptional blight resistance. This is a go-to shrub for the toughest garden conditions—especially full shade and dry shade—where many plants struggle. New growth emerges a shiny bright green and matures to a deeper green over time, creating a polished, year-round look for foundation plantings, mass plantings, and formal garden designs. Petite Jade grows slowly, eventually reaching a broad, low profile, and once established it tolerates some drought—making it a reliable, customer-friendly choice for low-maintenance shade landscapes.


Product Overview
  • Botanical name: Aucuba japonica ‘Petite Jade’
  • Common name: Petite Jade Aucuba (Japanese Laurel)
  • Plant type: Evergreen shade shrub
  • USDA Zones: 6–10
  • Light: Full shade
  • Growth rate: Slow
Key Features
  • Thrives in shade and performs well in challenging “dry shade” areas.
  • Compact, rounded habit with glossy evergreen foliage.
  • Exceptional blight resistance for easier long-term success.
  • Ideal for mass plantings and crisp foundation plantings in formal designs.
Size & Growth Habit
  • Growth habit: Compact, rounded
  • Growth rate: Slow
  • Long-term size: About 6 ft. tall and up to 10 ft. wide in 20 years or more

Petite Jade is slow and steady—an excellent choice when you want a shrub that stays tidy and doesn’t need frequent resizing.

Foliage & Year-Round Interest
  • Foliage: Evergreen
  • Leaf look: Shiny bright green new growth
  • Mature color: Deep green

The glossy leaves reflect light in shade, helping brighten darker corners of the landscape.

Flowers
  • Bloom time: Inconspicuous summer flowers
  • Flower color: Yellow

This plant is grown primarily for its foliage and dependable performance in shade.

Light Requirements

Petite Jade is built for full shade, making it an excellent solution for north-facing beds, under trees, and shaded foundations.

Watering
  • Water needs: Keep soil moderately moist
  • Establishment: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season
  • After establishment: Reduce frequency; tolerates drier conditions in cooler-summer climates
Soil & Planting Tips

Thrives in organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil.

  • Amend planting areas with compost to increase organic matter—especially in shade beds.
  • Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.
  • Avoid waterlogged soils; good drainage supports healthier roots and foliage.
Feeding & Easy Care
  • Fertilizer: Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring
  • Maintenance level: Easy care
  • Why it’s reliable: Improved pest and disease resistance

Once established, Petite Jade is a low-maintenance evergreen that stays attractive with minimal input.

Problem-Solving Benefits
  • Dry shade tolerant: Yes (once established)
  • Rabbit resistant: Yes
  • Coastal exposure: Tolerant
  • Blight resistance: Exceptional resistance noted for this selection
Landscape Uses & Design Ideas
  • Landscape uses: Border, container
  • Best uses: Mass plantings, foundation beds, formal designs, shaded courtyards
  • Design tip: Repeat in groups for a clean, structured evergreen look in shade

Use Petite Jade where you want an evergreen “base layer” that stays handsome all year and plays well with other shade plants.

Companion Plant Ideas

Pair Petite Jade with other shade-friendly shrubs and perennials for a layered woodland look:

  • Yew (Taxus)
  • Azalea
  • Peony
  • Ostrich fern (Matteuccia)
  • Sarcococca
Plant Background

‘Petite Jade’ originated from cuttings collected at Chollipo Botanical Garden in South Korea and was grown for years in the U.S. National Arboretum’s Introduction Garden before being evaluated by nurseries.

 
  • Exceptional shade performer with glossy green foliage that deepens in color as it matures.
  • Compact, rounded evergreen habit with strong blight resistance—ideal for low-stress landscaping.
  • Perfect for mass plantings, foundation beds, and formal designs in full shade.
  • Slow growing and drought tolerant once established—great for “dry shade” spots.

Petite Jade Aucuba (Aucuba japonica ‘Petite Jade’) is a standout Japanese laurel selected for its compact, rounded shape, glossy evergreen foliage, and exceptional blight resistance. This is a go-to shrub for the toughest garden conditions—especially full shade and dry shade—where many plants struggle. New growth emerges a shiny bright green and matures to a deeper green over time, creating a polished, year-round look for foundation plantings, mass plantings, and formal garden designs. Petite Jade grows slowly, eventually reaching a broad, low profile, and once established it tolerates some drought—making it a reliable, customer-friendly choice for low-maintenance shade landscapes.


Product Overview
  • Botanical name: Aucuba japonica ‘Petite Jade’
  • Common name: Petite Jade Aucuba (Japanese Laurel)
  • Plant type: Evergreen shade shrub
  • USDA Zones: 6–10
  • Light: Full shade
  • Growth rate: Slow
Key Features
  • Thrives in shade and performs well in challenging “dry shade” areas.
  • Compact, rounded habit with glossy evergreen foliage.
  • Exceptional blight resistance for easier long-term success.
  • Ideal for mass plantings and crisp foundation plantings in formal designs.
Size & Growth Habit
  • Growth habit: Compact, rounded
  • Growth rate: Slow
  • Long-term size: About 6 ft. tall and up to 10 ft. wide in 20 years or more

Petite Jade is slow and steady—an excellent choice when you want a shrub that stays tidy and doesn’t need frequent resizing.

Foliage & Year-Round Interest
  • Foliage: Evergreen
  • Leaf look: Shiny bright green new growth
  • Mature color: Deep green

The glossy leaves reflect light in shade, helping brighten darker corners of the landscape.

Flowers
  • Bloom time: Inconspicuous summer flowers
  • Flower color: Yellow

This plant is grown primarily for its foliage and dependable performance in shade.

Light Requirements

Petite Jade is built for full shade, making it an excellent solution for north-facing beds, under trees, and shaded foundations.

Watering
  • Water needs: Keep soil moderately moist
  • Establishment: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season
  • After establishment: Reduce frequency; tolerates drier conditions in cooler-summer climates
Soil & Planting Tips

Thrives in organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil.

  • Amend planting areas with compost to increase organic matter—especially in shade beds.
  • Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.
  • Avoid waterlogged soils; good drainage supports healthier roots and foliage.
Feeding & Easy Care
  • Fertilizer: Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring
  • Maintenance level: Easy care
  • Why it’s reliable: Improved pest and disease resistance

Once established, Petite Jade is a low-maintenance evergreen that stays attractive with minimal input.

Problem-Solving Benefits
  • Dry shade tolerant: Yes (once established)
  • Rabbit resistant: Yes
  • Coastal exposure: Tolerant
  • Blight resistance: Exceptional resistance noted for this selection
Landscape Uses & Design Ideas
  • Landscape uses: Border, container
  • Best uses: Mass plantings, foundation beds, formal designs, shaded courtyards
  • Design tip: Repeat in groups for a clean, structured evergreen look in shade

Use Petite Jade where you want an evergreen “base layer” that stays handsome all year and plays well with other shade plants.

Companion Plant Ideas

Pair Petite Jade with other shade-friendly shrubs and perennials for a layered woodland look:

  • Yew (Taxus)
  • Azalea
  • Peony
  • Ostrich fern (Matteuccia)
  • Sarcococca
Plant Background

‘Petite Jade’ originated from cuttings collected at Chollipo Botanical Garden in South Korea and was grown for years in the U.S. National Arboretum’s Introduction Garden before being evaluated by nurseries.