How to prune aucuba japonica picturata

Early spring, before new growth begins. Use hand pruners to remove dead or crossing stems and cut back any overly long shoots to just above a healthy node. Do not use hedge trimmers; they split and brown the large leaves. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 60 cm is possible in May if needed.

Annually (light trim). Aucuba japonica 'Picturata' has bold gold-centred leaves that show off best when the plant is well shaped. It rarely demands pruning but responds well to an annual light tidy in spring. Avoid cutting into the foliage with shears — hand-prune stem by stem to keep the ornamental leaves intact.

Use hand pruners to remove dead or crossing stems and cut back any overly long shoots to just above a healthy node. Do not use hedge trimmers; they split and brown the large leaves. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 60 cm is possible in May if needed.