Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’
Overview
Uses: Shade gardens, hedging, privacy screens, foundation plantings, containers, patios.
Benefits: Bold evergreen foliage heavily speckled in gold brightens deep shade. Dense growth provides structure and screening with minimal pruning.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–9
Sun: Partial Shade to Shade
Life Cycle: Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Upright, Rounded — dense multi-stem branching structure.
Foliage Color: Dark Green with Golden Variegation
Mature Height: 6–10 feet
Mature Width: 5–9 feet
Bloom Season: Spring
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Rich evergreen foliage splashed in gold makes ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ a dramatic focal point for shaded landscapes.
This male selection of Aucuba japonica forms a dense, structured shrub with glossy leaves that hold their color throughout the year. It performs especially well in shaded beds and foundation plantings where bright foliage is needed to contrast darker surroundings.
When planted in rows, it creates a substantial privacy hedge. As a specimen, it offers bold texture and year-round structure. Because it is a male cultivar, it does not produce berries but can serve as a pollinator for female selections of Aucuba japonica.
Care
Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ Care
Plant in partial to full shade. Protection from strong 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 encourage steady growth, particularly in containers.
Prune as needed to maintain desired size and encourage dense branching. Light shaping can be performed at most times of year.
Container Growing Notes: This shrub performs well in large containers placed in shaded patios or entryways. Container-grown plants dry more quickly than in-ground plantings and may require more frequent watering. Ensure excellent drainage.
Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ 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 ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ Grow?
Mature plants typically reach 6–10 feet tall and 5–9 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 Japanese Laurel and Spotted Laurel.
Is ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ suitable for privacy hedging?
Yes. Its dense evergreen structure makes it effective for screening and foundation plantings. Explore additional options in our
Privacy Trees & Shrubs
collection.
Does this plant perform well in shade?
This cultivar is especially valued for its ability to brighten shaded spaces. It pairs well with selections in our
Shrubs & Bushes
and
Evergreen Plants
collections.
What is the role of ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ in berry production?
‘Mr. Goldstrike’ is a male cultivar of Aucuba japonica. While it does not produce berries itself, it can pollinate compatible female cultivars to support berry development.
