Gold Dust Aucuba

Gold Dust Aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Gold Dust')

Gold Dust Aucuba is a shade-loving evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves heavily speckled in bright yellow, creating a luminous effect in dim sites. Its dense, rounded habit thrives in shade to part shade, adding year-round color to foundations, woodland edges, and protected entries.

Distinctive Features

Bold yellow variegation brightens low-light areas, while thick, leathery leaves resist splash and urban conditions for dependable texture and color.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Shade to part shade; protect from hot afternoon sun and winter wind.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, organic-rich soil; tolerates dry shade once established.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then water in prolonged dry periods.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 10.
• Mature Size: 4 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: High-contrast foliage lights up shaded entries and courtyards.
• Foundation Planting: Provides evergreen structure in north and east exposures.
• Shade Hedge: Forms a dense, low-maintenance screen in dappled light.
• Woodland Borders: Partners well with hellebores, ferns, and hydrangeas.
• Containers: Performs in sheltered pots with consistent moisture and drainage.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply to establish; thereafter, water during extended drought to prevent leaf scorch.
• Pruning: Lightly thin or tip prune after spring growth to shape; avoid hard cuts into old wood.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer or compost in early spring.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 in mulch layer to conserve moisture and protect roots.
• Notes: Site out of winter wind; for ornamental berries, plant with a compatible pollinator nearby.

Why Choose Gold Dust Aucuba?

• Shade Brightener: Variegated foliage adds color where most shrubs fade.
• Evergreen Structure: Year-round form and leaf gloss anchor plantings.
• Urban Tolerant: Handles dry shade and splash in protected sites.
• Low Upkeep: Minimal pruning and simple moisture needs.
• Design Versatility: Works as specimen, hedge, or container accent in shade.

Plant in shade to part shade with protection from wind, keep soil evenly moist during establishment, and prune lightly to maintain a dense, colorful silhouette.