Aucuba

Aucuba ‘Picturata’

Aucuba japonica, sometimes referred to as “Gold Dust Plant” or “Japanese Laurel” is undemanding shrub for shady areas and also makes a good pot plant.

Bold, glossy evergreen leaves are dense and come as solid green or splotched with gold.  This is a moderate grower and can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet (sometimes higher) but can be kept lower by pruning. Very small dark red flowers appear in spring and are followed by clusters of bright red berries in fall and winter. Both sexes must be planted to ensure berries.

Aucuba performs well in soils enriched with organic matter like compost or aged manure. It grows well in deep shade or partial shade. Leaves will scorch in hot afternoon sun. This is a plant that does not mind root competition and grows well under trees. Plants are hardy to about 5 degrees.

Some varieties to look for include:

‘Picturata’ (pictured above) has bold splashes of gold and grows from 6-10 feet.

‘Variegata’ has speckled gold markings and grows to 4-6 feet.

‘Rozannie’ is a compact growing variety (3′ x 3′) and is self-fertile.

Aucuba ‘Variegata’