Sunny Daze Japanese Laurel
Best evergreen shrub for brightening shaded garden corners and containers.
The Sunny Daze® Japanese Laurel is a handsome evergreen shrub perfect for brightening the shadiest areas of your landscape. It features lustrous, colorfully variegated foliage that makes it a true collector's gem. This slow-growing plant is ideal for foundation plantings, woodland gardens, or as a low hedge. It also serves as a fantastic container accent for covered patios or bright indoor settings. Introduced by Monrovia, this variety thrives in shade to partial shade conditions and maintains its striking appearance year-round.
$49.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
866
/ 2688
#866 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+27%
Above average
Foliage Type
Evergreen
/ Evergreen
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
Features
- Features lustrous, colorfully variegated foliage to brighten dim garden areas
- Excellent for use in foundation plantings, woodland gardens, or low hedging
- Functions well as a container accent for covered patios or well-lit indoor spaces
- Brought to Monrovia by renowned collector Dan Hinkley
- Tolerates drier conditions once fully established in cooler summer climates
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality and vibrant design of the Sunny Daze Japanese Laurel. Reviewers frequently mention receiving plants that are remarkably healthy, robust, and well established, reflecting Monrovia's reputation for superior nursery stock. The striking yellow and green variegation is a major draw, providing reliable color and brightness in difficult shaded areas. Consumers feel this plant delivers significant aesthetic value, making it a highly reliable choice for landscape enhancement.
Know before you buy
This shrub prefers shade to partial shade. It is specifically bred to brighten dim areas, so avoid planting it in direct, intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the variegated leaves.
Yes, it makes an excellent container accent. Because it is slow-growing and maintains a compact 4-foot size, it works well in pots for covered patios or even as a decorative indoor plant in a well-lit room.
The Sunny Daze Japanese Laurel has a slow growth rate. You should expect it to take several years to reach its full mature height and width of 4 feet, making it a low-maintenance choice that won't quickly outgrow its space.
Once the plant is fully established in the ground, it can tolerate drier conditions, particularly in cooler summer climates. However, you should provide regular water during its first year to help it develop a strong root system.
Yes, this is an evergreen shrub. Its lustrous, variegated foliage remains vibrant and intact year-round, providing consistent color even during the winter months.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$50