Welcome to our Plant Library! This is a new feature on our website to showcase the vast selection of plants that we carry across different seasons. We are continuously adding products, so if you are looking for a specific plant not listed below, we encourage you to call or visit to see if we have it in stock!
Gold Dust Aucuba
SECTION 1 — Professional Plant Specifications
Botanical Name: Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’
Common Name: Gold Dust Aucuba
Mature Height and Width: 6–10′ tall × 4–6′ wide
Growth Habit: Upright to broadly oval evergreen shrub with moderate density. Forms a naturally layered structure with strong vertical stems and slightly arching outer branches. Moderate growth rate.
Foliage Description: Large, glossy, leathery dark green leaves heavily speckled with bright yellow variegation (“gold dust”). Leaves are broad, oval, and thick-textured. Evergreen in Zones 6–9 (protected Zone 6 sites recommended).
Flower Description: Small purplish-maroon flowers in early spring; not highly ornamental. Female plants may produce bright red berries in fall if pollinated.
Bloom Time: Early spring
Fall Color: Evergreen; seasonal interest comes from variegated foliage and potential red berries.
Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade; best foliage quality and variegation retention occur in filtered light. Can tolerate morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon exposure.
Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 6–9
Notable Landscape Uses:
Shade foundation plantings; woodland garden accents; north-side plantings; courtyard gardens; mixed evergreen borders; contrast foliage in shaded beds; container use in protected settings.
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Aucuba is generally not a preferred deer browse due to its thick, leathery foliage. While not completely immune, established plants typically experience minimal damage in Zones 6–7.