The large leaves of the evergreen  spotted laurel, Acuba japonica crotonifolia, are not one of my favourites but my wife likes them. This could be because she comes from the seaside where they tolerate the salty winds.

Tips and Other Laurels

• Cuttings can be taken in summer April to August – seeds are poisonous
• The gold-blotched and finely-speckled leaves  show the best colour in full sun but will tolerate shade.
• Flowering periods are usually April to May this is a versatile evergreen shrub for almost anywhere in the garden. Slow-growing, it will only reach 5-6 feet after ten years.
• Laurels thrives in most soils, including dry ground near hedges and trees.
• Shrubs may be  pruned to create hedges or left to grow unchecked.
• The dwarf cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus “Otto Luyken ” is a dense evergreen shrub. It has upright dark green glossy narrow leaves. It has spikes of white flowers in the Spring followed by cherry-like fruits.
• They are related to the Portuguese laurel, Prunus lustianica, with their red winter stems.
• Prune laurels carefully with secateurs to avoid damaging the leaves.
• The Laurel or Acuba crotonifolia is either male or female with the latter bearing berries.