Japanese Aucuba

Aucuba Japonica

Design with this plant

Overview

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), also known as Gold Dust Plant, is an evergreen shrub celebrated for its vibrant, glossy green leaves speckled with golden yellow dots. This hardy plant typically reaches 6 to 10 feet in height and spreads 5 to 9 feet. It prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Aucubas are excellent for adding a splash of color to shaded areas and are resistant to most pests and diseases.

Sun Deep Shade, Half, ShadeWater MediumZones 7–10Climate Temperate

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba japonica)

Culture

Sun: Deep Shade, Half, Shade
Water: Medium
USDA zones: 7–10

Shape & size

Mature height: 6–8 Ft.
Mature width: 4–6 Ft.

Classification

Family: Cornaceae
Climate: Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (84)

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — It prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — is a striking evergreen shrub that adds a touch of exotic elegance to any landscape

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — Commonly known as the 'Gold Dust Plant' for its splattered golden variegation

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — it is a versatile and hardy addition that thrives in USDA zones 7 through 10

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — With a mature height and spread of about 6 to 10 feet

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — it is an excellent choice for creating focal points or for use as a handsome hedge.<br><br>Its glossy

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — leathery leaves can reach up to 8 inches long and are a deep green

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — often speckled with eye-catching yellow spots

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — inconspicuous purplish flowers may appear

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — followed by bright red berries in the fall if both male and female plants are present

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — It grows best in part to full shade

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — making it ideal for those challenging dimly lit areas where other plants may struggle

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — It is relatively low-maintenance

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape and can handle urban pollution

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — making it suitable for city gardens.<br><br>When incorporating Aucuba japonica into a landscape design

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — consider its preference for shelter from harsh winds and its moderate growth rate

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — Its dramatic foliage provides stunning contrast against lighter

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — Aucuba is also quite drought-tolerant once established

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — offering both visual appeal and practicality to their garden oasis

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — purple and red flowers in the garden

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — shrub with purple and red blooms

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — shrub for deep shade or half or shade

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba japonica); this hardy plant typically reaches 6 to 10 feet in height and spreads 5 to 9 feet

Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica) — also known as Gold Dust Plant; leathery leaves can reach up to 8 inches long and are a deep green

Related plants

Brown Twig Dogwood (Cornus Glabrata) — The Brown Twig Dogwood (Cornus glabrata) is a North American native shrub prized for its dynamic presence

Brown Twig Dogwood

Cornus Glabrata

Full · Zones 3–8

Arctic Sun® Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) — The Cornus sanguinea Arctic Sun® is a compact deciduous dogwood with green foliage

Arctic Sun® Dogwood

Cornus sanguinea

Full · Zones 3–8

Winter Flame Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea 'Winter Flame') — is a deciduous shrub notable for its vibrant winter stems

Winter Flame Dogwood

Cornus sanguinea 'Winter Flame'

Full · Zones 4–8

Arctic Fire® Red Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) — Proven Winners - Arctic Fire® Red - Red-Osier Dogwood - Cornus stolonifera white plant details

Arctic Fire® Red Red-Osier Dogwood

Cornus stolonifera

Full

Redtwig Or Red-Osier, Creek Dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Baileyi') — Growing 6-9 ft tall and wide

Redtwig Or Red-Osier, Creek Dogwood

Cornus sericea 'Baileyi'

Full · Zones 3–8

Puka (Griselinia Lucida) — commonly known as Puka or Akapuka

Puka

Griselinia Lucida

Full · Zones 9–11