Aucuba japonica
Aucuba is a foliage plant that can be very useful in the shade. The most widely used varieties are variegated. One of the most handsome is ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ grown by Monrovia Growers. This evergreen plant is a slow grower, eventually reaching four to six feet. The green-leafed version is also a very attractive plant with very dark green leaves and, sometimes, bright red berries. It grows a bit faster and can reach six to ten feet.