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Sunny Daze Japanese Laurel - 2 Gallon
SKU:
2121630
UPC:
014949433546
$43.99
- Collector-worthy evergreen shrub that brightens deep shade with lustrous, colorful variegated foliage.
- Thrives where many plants struggle—ideal for full shade, filtered sun, and woodland gardens.
- Perfect for foundation plantings, low hedges, and containers on covered patios (or well-lit indoor spaces).
- Slow growing and easy-care, reaching about 4 ft. tall and wide with minimal maintenance.
Sunny Daze Japanese Laurel (Aucuba japonica ‘MonHinsuru’) is a true shade-garden gem, prized for its glossy, boldly variegated foliage that lights up dim corners year-round. This handsome evergreen shrub is especially valuable in the shadiest parts of the landscape—think north-facing foundations, woodland paths, and covered patios—where its bright leaves add instant contrast and structure. With a naturally tidy, slow-growing habit that reaches about 4 feet tall and wide, Sunny Daze works beautifully as a low hedge, a foundation accent, or a statement plant in a container. Plant it in filtered sun to full shade in well-drained soil, keep moisture moderate during establishment, and enjoy an easy-care evergreen that brings color to spaces that need it most.
Product Overview
- Botanical name: Aucuba japonica ‘MonHinsuru’
- Common name: Sunny Daze Japanese Laurel
- Plant type: Evergreen shade shrub
- USDA Zones: 6–10
- Light: Filtered sun, partial shade, full shade
- Mature size: About 4 ft. tall and wide
Key Features
- Variegated evergreen foliage brightens the darkest garden spaces.
- Excellent for foundation plantings, woodland gardens, and low hedging.
- Performs beautifully in containers for covered patios and shaded courtyards.
- Easy care, slow growing, and adaptable to many well-drained soils.
Foliage & Year-Round Interest
- Foliage: Evergreen
- Leaf look: Lustrous, colorfully variegated leaves
- Season: Bright, reliable color in every season
Sunny Daze is a “natural spotlight” plant—use it to brighten corners, underplant trees, or add contrast to darker evergreens.
Size & Growth Habit
- Growth rate: Slow
- Mature size: About 4 ft. tall and wide
- Overall form: Tidy shrub that’s easy to place in small or structured designs
Its slow, steady growth makes it a great choice when you want a long-lived shrub that won’t outgrow its space quickly.
Light Requirements
- Best light: Full shade to partial shade
- Also suitable for: Filtered sun
This is an excellent option for the shadiest parts of the garden—especially areas where other shrubs struggle to look vibrant.
Watering
- Water needs: Keep soil moderately moist
- First growing season: Water deeply and regularly to establish an extensive root system
- After establishment: Reduce frequency; tolerates drier conditions in cooler summer climates
Soil & Planting Tips
Sunny Daze thrives in a wide variety of well-drained soils.
- Amend soil with compost for improved structure and steady moisture.
- Mulch helps retain moisture and insulates roots in hot or dry periods.
- Avoid poorly drained sites where water sits after rain.
Feeding & Easy Care
- Fertilizer: Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring
- Maintenance level: Easy care
- Pruning: Minimal—shape lightly only if desired
With the right light and drainage, this is a low-fuss evergreen that stays attractive with very little attention.
Containers & Covered Patios
- Container friendly: Yes
- Great for: Covered patios, shaded porches, and courtyards
- Indoor note: Can be a striking container accent in well-lit indoor spaces
Use a decorative pot to bring bright foliage right up to your outdoor living areas—especially helpful where in-ground planting is limited.
Problem-Solving Benefits
- Coastal exposure: Tolerant
- Rabbit resistant: Yes
- Shade solution: Designed for the shadiest gardens
Landscape Uses & Design Ideas
- Landscape uses: Border, container
- Best uses: Foundation plantings, woodland gardens, low hedging, shaded courtyards
- Design tip: Mass in groups for a brighter “carpet” of foliage in shade
Companion Plant Ideas
Pair Sunny Daze with shade-loving companions for a layered, woodland-style planting:
- Sarcococca
- Peony
- Ostrich fern (Matteuccia)
- Bleeding heart (Dicentra)
- Azalea
Plant Background
This plant originated in Japan and was gifted to plant explorer Daniel J. Hinkley by a nurseryman near Tokyo who specializes in Aucuba. It was later brought to Monrovia by Dan Hinkley.
- Collector-worthy evergreen shrub that brightens deep shade with lustrous, colorful variegated foliage.
- Thrives where many plants struggle—ideal for full shade, filtered sun, and woodland gardens.
- Perfect for foundation plantings, low hedges, and containers on covered patios (or well-lit indoor spaces).
- Slow growing and easy-care, reaching about 4 ft. tall and wide with minimal maintenance.
Sunny Daze Japanese Laurel (Aucuba japonica ‘MonHinsuru’) is a true shade-garden gem, prized for its glossy, boldly variegated foliage that lights up dim corners year-round. This handsome evergreen shrub is especially valuable in the shadiest parts of the landscape—think north-facing foundations, woodland paths, and covered patios—where its bright leaves add instant contrast and structure. With a naturally tidy, slow-growing habit that reaches about 4 feet tall and wide, Sunny Daze works beautifully as a low hedge, a foundation accent, or a statement plant in a container. Plant it in filtered sun to full shade in well-drained soil, keep moisture moderate during establishment, and enjoy an easy-care evergreen that brings color to spaces that need it most.
Product Overview
- Botanical name: Aucuba japonica ‘MonHinsuru’
- Common name: Sunny Daze Japanese Laurel
- Plant type: Evergreen shade shrub
- USDA Zones: 6–10
- Light: Filtered sun, partial shade, full shade
- Mature size: About 4 ft. tall and wide
Key Features
- Variegated evergreen foliage brightens the darkest garden spaces.
- Excellent for foundation plantings, woodland gardens, and low hedging.
- Performs beautifully in containers for covered patios and shaded courtyards.
- Easy care, slow growing, and adaptable to many well-drained soils.
Foliage & Year-Round Interest
- Foliage: Evergreen
- Leaf look: Lustrous, colorfully variegated leaves
- Season: Bright, reliable color in every season
Sunny Daze is a “natural spotlight” plant—use it to brighten corners, underplant trees, or add contrast to darker evergreens.
Size & Growth Habit
- Growth rate: Slow
- Mature size: About 4 ft. tall and wide
- Overall form: Tidy shrub that’s easy to place in small or structured designs
Its slow, steady growth makes it a great choice when you want a long-lived shrub that won’t outgrow its space quickly.
Light Requirements
- Best light: Full shade to partial shade
- Also suitable for: Filtered sun
This is an excellent option for the shadiest parts of the garden—especially areas where other shrubs struggle to look vibrant.
Watering
- Water needs: Keep soil moderately moist
- First growing season: Water deeply and regularly to establish an extensive root system
- After establishment: Reduce frequency; tolerates drier conditions in cooler summer climates
Soil & Planting Tips
Sunny Daze thrives in a wide variety of well-drained soils.
- Amend soil with compost for improved structure and steady moisture.
- Mulch helps retain moisture and insulates roots in hot or dry periods.
- Avoid poorly drained sites where water sits after rain.
Feeding & Easy Care
- Fertilizer: Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring
- Maintenance level: Easy care
- Pruning: Minimal—shape lightly only if desired
With the right light and drainage, this is a low-fuss evergreen that stays attractive with very little attention.
Containers & Covered Patios
- Container friendly: Yes
- Great for: Covered patios, shaded porches, and courtyards
- Indoor note: Can be a striking container accent in well-lit indoor spaces
Use a decorative pot to bring bright foliage right up to your outdoor living areas—especially helpful where in-ground planting is limited.
Problem-Solving Benefits
- Coastal exposure: Tolerant
- Rabbit resistant: Yes
- Shade solution: Designed for the shadiest gardens
Landscape Uses & Design Ideas
- Landscape uses: Border, container
- Best uses: Foundation plantings, woodland gardens, low hedging, shaded courtyards
- Design tip: Mass in groups for a brighter “carpet” of foliage in shade
Companion Plant Ideas
Pair Sunny Daze with shade-loving companions for a layered, woodland-style planting:
- Sarcococca
- Peony
- Ostrich fern (Matteuccia)
- Bleeding heart (Dicentra)
- Azalea
Plant Background
This plant originated in Japan and was gifted to plant explorer Daniel J. Hinkley by a nurseryman near Tokyo who specializes in Aucuba. It was later brought to Monrovia by Dan Hinkley.
