About
Aucuba japonica 'Gold Dust' is a dense evergreen shrub that typically reaches a height of about 2 meters. Its foliage features thick, glossy leaves with a serrated edge, displaying an olive green color accented by pale yellow speckles. In spring, the plant produces clusters of small red-purple flowers; if pollination occurs, these flowers give way to vibrant red berries that appear in late summer and persist into autumn.
About the genus
Aucuba are dioecious evergreen shrubs characterized by simple, leathery foliage, with numerous cultivars showcasing attractive variegation. Male plants produce small purple flowers, while female specimens bear large, glossy red berries afterward.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
- Toxicity
- Fruit is ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit is ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Will grow in almost any soil or situation except soil prone to waterlogging. Good for difficult planting positions, tolerant of dry soil, pollution and salt winds. Plant male and female plants together to ensure berries
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1; trim hedges in spring; shrubs may be renovated by hard pruning in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus