Gold Dust Aucuba Plant

The slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen produces insignificant brownish-purple flowers in spring and female plants then produce clusters of small, red berries that mature in fall and remain on the shrub into spring. However, due to the dense foliage the berries may be hidden among the large leaves. Male plants do not produce fruit. It should be noted that the leaves and berries are poisonous.

Gold Dust Aucuba plants are the most tolerant and suffer the least damage grown in warmest locations of zone 7 and below. Those living in cooler locales can still grow the plant as a houseplant or in containers and bring the pots indoors when the cool temperatures of winter strike. If your location sometimes receives cooler weather, grow the Gold Dust Aucuba in a protected location in the landscape and pile mulch around the roots to assist in winter protection.

Growing Gold Dust Aucuba Plants

Although the plant typically has a slow to moderate rate of growth, regular feedings throughout the growing seasons of spring through summer help speed things along. If you are growing the Gold Dust Aucuba in a container, use a water-soluble blend or slow-release granules. The shrub takes on a dense, rounded and upright form and may require pruning to control its size or shape. Pruning is best done spring through summer, which will also thicken its growth, creating even more density.

One of its attributes is its low maintenance requirements, and it’s rarely bothered by pests or disease problems. However, when grown indoors spider mites can occasional be a problem but are easily treated with Neem or an insecticidal soap. Once established, it is fairly tolerant to drought conditions and is moderately tolerant to salty environments, making it suitable to grow along coastal locales. Gold Dust Aucuba won’t perform well and can develop root rot problems if planted in soils that are too heavy and retain too much water like clay. It’s best to amend these sites with organic materials or grow on a mound. The shrub tolerates the pollutants found in city locations.

Uses on Your Property

Besides growing well as a houseplant, Gold Dust Aucuba fulfills a variety of needs within the landscape. Whether you are looking for a formal or informal hedge or screening plant, the tall-growing shrub fits that need perfectly. With a bit of spring pruning you can control its size, or allow it to grow to full-size and take on its natural form. However you’d like to use it, it’s dense habit of growth makes perfect use for privacy or outlining a portion of your landscape as a hedge.

Many times, shady locations of the garden lack color, but this isn’t so with Gold Dust Aucuba. It makes a bold statement with its green and yellow foliage used as a backdrop in woodland gardens or used as a specimen to draw attention to the area. With its lush evergreen habit, you are sure to bring color and interest to the area all year long. It also works well used as a foundation planting.

Gold Dust Aucuba grows well in tubs, pots or planter boxes, provided it receives regular water when the soil begins to dry. Dress up a shady entranceway or porch with its bright foliage. In addition, if you live in a coastal area where many plants don’t tolerate the salty conditions, Gold Dust Aucuba thrives, provided you don’t plant directly along the ocean’s edge.

Planting Location

Besides being a shade-lover and performing best in a shady to partially shady location, Gold Dust Aucuba grows in a wide range of soils (provided they drain well). However, for the best results, plant the shrub in fertile soils that have good drainage. When planting multiple plants or close to a structure, always consider the shrub’s mature height and width so you give them adequate room to spread without interference. Although relatively drought-tolerant, for the first season of growth and while the roots establish themselves, water deeply once to twice weekly, depending on your local weather conditions and especially if your conditions are hot and dry.

History and Origins of the Gold Dust Aucuba Plant

Aucuba japonica is native to the shaded and moist woodlands of Japan, Korea and China. In 1783, it was introduced in England by John Graeffer and thrived in heated greenhouses. By the 19th Century, it became widely cultivated by gardeners nicknaming it the “Gold Plant” due to its colorful yellow and green foliage. In the 1860s, Robert Hall, who introduced Hall’s honeysuckle that now has become invasive in the Eastern United States and taking over large swaths of woodland areas, introduced the plant to gardeners in the U.S. Since then and due to its hardy nature and shade-tolerant qualities, the plant has become an old-time garden favorite.

All of our Aucuba plants are grown their entire lives in containers in a nursery environment with all their needs and considerations met. Be assured when your receive one of our Gold Dust plants it’s been nurtured to live a long, happy and healthy life in your garden environment.

What are some common pests or diseases that can affect the Gold Dust Aucuba?

The Gold Dust Aucuba is a robust plant that is rarely bothered by pests or diseases. However, when grown indoors, it can occasionally be susceptible to spider mites. These tiny pests can be easily treated with Neem oil or an insecticidal soap. Regularly check the leaves of your plant for any signs of infestation, such as small, yellow spots or webbing on the undersides of the leaves.

Can the Gold Dust Aucuba be grown in a container?

Yes, the Gold Dust Aucuba can be successfully grown in a container. This makes it a versatile plant that can be moved indoors during cooler months if you live in a region with harsh winters. When growing in a container, ensure that the pot has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. The plant requires regular watering when the soil begins to dry, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.

How can I propagate the Gold Dust Aucuba?

The Gold Dust Aucuba can be propagated through stem cuttings. Choose a healthy, mature stem and cut a 4-6 inch section, ideally with a few leaves attached. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a location with indirect light. With proper care, the cutting should root in a few weeks, giving you a new Gold Dust Aucuba plant.

What are the best companion plants for the Gold Dust Aucuba?

The Gold Dust Aucuba’s vibrant green and yellow foliage makes it a standout in any garden. It pairs well with other shade-loving plants that offer contrasting colors or textures. Ferns, hostas, and heucheras are all excellent choices. These plants also appreciate the same moist, well-draining soil conditions that the Gold Dust Aucuba prefers.

What is the history of the Gold Dust Aucuba?

The Gold Dust Aucuba has a rich history that dates back centuries. It is native to the shaded and moist woodlands of Japan, Korea, and China. In 1783, it was introduced in England by John Graeffer and thrived in heated greenhouses. By the 19th Century, it became widely cultivated by gardeners, earning the nickname ‘Gold Plant’ due to its colorful yellow and green foliage. In the 1860s, Robert Hall introduced the plant to gardeners in the U.S., where it has since become a beloved addition to many gardens.

What should I do if the leaves of my Gold Dust Aucuba start to turn black?

If the leaves of your Gold Dust Aucuba start to turn black, it may be receiving too much sunlight. This plant is a true shade-lover and its foliage can scorch and turn black if exposed to too much sun. If this happens, consider relocating your plant to a shadier location. If moving the plant is not an option, try providing some shade with a garden umbrella or shade cloth.