We just snapped this image of our clump of Aucuba japonica var. borealis ‘Sea of Japan’. In parts of the county where typical Aucuba japonica isn’t winter hardy, this tetraploid subspecies may be worth a try. This subspecies hails from one of coldest regions of coastal Japan, in northern Honshu, where it’s subject to an average yearly snowfall of 20 feet. When it’s not covered by snow, it’s subjected to extremely cold coastal winds. All of the clones of Aucuba japonica var. borealis we’ve grown are very compact, dwarf plants, with a maximum height of 2-3′ tall. Aucuba ‘Sea of Japan’ is a splendid male selection. This Cliff Parks collection was introduced by Camellia Forest Nursery in 2006.
