shrub RHS Award

Gold Dust Plant

Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Japan, China, Korea

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Aucuba japonica is a rounded, shade-loving evergreen shrub prized for its large, leathery, glossy leaves. It is dioecious, meaning separate male and female plants are required for the female to produce attractive red berries. 'Variegata' is a popular female cultivar distinguished by its dark green leaves heavily speckled with golden-yellow spots. It is an excellent choice for brightening up shady corners of the garden.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary value is ornamental, providing year-round color and bold texture in the darkest parts of a garden. The gold-flecked leaves create the illusion of being struck by sunlight, brightening up shady nooks, foundation plantings, and woodland gardens. When pollinated, the bright red berries add a splash of winter color.

As a dense, evergreen shrub, it can be used for informal hedging or screening in shady areas where other hedge plants might fail. Its tolerance of urban pollution makes it a good choice for city gardens and courtyard plantings. It is also an excellent, low-maintenance container plant for shaded porches and patios.

While not a native plant in North America, its berries can provide a food source for birds in late winter when other food is scarce. The dense foliage offers shelter for small birds and other wildlife from predators and inclement weather.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with partial to full shade and protection from winter sun.
Ensure soil is moist but very well-drained to prevent root rot.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant in the hole with the root flare at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant a male pollinator like 'Mr. Goldstrike' nearby if you want the showy red berries on this female cultivar.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Plant in a location sheltered from harsh afternoon sun and winter winds.
Wipe leaves occasionally to maintain their glossy appearance.
Prune lightly in spring to maintain a compact shape.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
Avoid direct, hot afternoon sun which will scorch the leaves.
Don't allow the soil to dry out completely.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can cause leggy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Lustrous foliage for deep shadeVibrant container specimen for patiosReliable evergreen foundation planting

Companion Plants

Hosta Ferns (various) Helleborus orientalis Rhododendron Mahonia aquifolium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gold Dust Plant questions

What zones can Gold Dust Plant grow in?

Gold Dust Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Gold Dust Plant deer resistant?

Yes — Gold Dust Plant is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Gold Dust Plant bloom?

Gold Dust Plant typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Gold Dust Plant need full sun?

Gold Dust Plant does best in part shade.

Is Gold Dust Plant drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gold Dust Plant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.