Aucuba japonica ‘Gold Dust’
Overview
Uses: Shade gardens, hedging, privacy screens, foundation plantings, containers, patios.
Benefits: Bold evergreen foliage splashed with golden variegation brightens deep shade. Dense, bushy growth provides structure and privacy with minimal maintenance.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–10
Sun: Partial Shade to Shade
Life Cycle: Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Upright, Rounded — multi-stem shrub with dense branching.
Foliage Color: Dark Green with Golden Variegation
Mature Height: 6–10 feet
Mature Width: 5–6 feet
Bloom Season: Spring
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Glossy evergreen leaves speckled in gold make ‘Gold Dust’ Aucuba a standout choice for shaded landscapes.
This durable shrub forms a dense, structured presence in garden beds and along foundations, where its bright variegation adds contrast against darker plantings. It is particularly valuable in shade, where many plants struggle to provide color and substance.
When planted in rows, it creates an effective privacy screen. As a specimen, it offers year-round foliage interest. Female plants may produce red berries in fall when pollinated by a compatible male selection, adding seasonal detail and wildlife value.
Care
Aucuba japonica ‘Gold Dust’ Care
Plant in partial to full shade. Protection from harsh afternoon sun helps prevent leaf scorch, especially in warmer climates.
Prefers well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Established plants tolerate short dry periods but perform best with even moisture.
Apply a
slow release fertilizer
in spring to support steady growth, particularly in containers.
Prune as needed to maintain size and encourage dense branching. Light shaping can be done at nearly any time of year.
Container Growing Notes: ‘Gold Dust’ performs well in large containers placed in shaded patios or entryways. Container plantings dry more quickly than in-ground plantings and may require more frequent watering. Ensure excellent drainage to avoid root stress.
Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the Aucuba japonica ‘Gold Dust’ for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are well rooted and actively growing at the time of shipment. Each plant is appropriately sized for its container. If you need additional details before ordering, please
contact us.
How Large Does Aucuba japonica ‘Gold Dust’ Grow?
Mature plants typically reach 6–10 feet tall and 5–6 feet wide. With pruning, they can be maintained at a smaller size for hedging or container use.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
It is commonly known as Gold Dust Aucuba, Japanese Laurel, and Spotted Laurel.
Is ‘Gold Dust’ suitable for privacy hedging?
Yes. Its dense evergreen foliage makes it effective for screening and foundation plantings. Explore additional screening options in our
Privacy Trees & Shrubs
collection.
Does this plant perform well in shade?
‘Gold Dust’ is especially valued for its ability to brighten shaded spaces. It pairs beautifully with selections in our
Shrubs & Bushes
and
Evergreen Plants
collections.
Will ‘Gold Dust’ produce berries?
This cultivar is typically female. When planted near a compatible male Aucuba japonica, it may produce red berries in fall.
