Aucuba Japonica Gold Dust

Writen by Alan Summers

All gardens have problem spots - those areas where it seems that nothing will grow. Often, this tends to be in the shade - either under a large tree or the eves of a house. This week we are featuring an evergreen that will solve the problem of bare, shaded areas and will add eye catching color and interest to your garden - Aucuba japonica 'Gold Dust.' Unlike most garden plants that only tolerate shade, Aucubas prefer shade and will thrive in the shadiest of spots, even under trees where no grass grows.

Native to Japan, Aucubas are a small group of evergreen shrubs that belong to the same family as dogwoods, but look nothing like them. 'Gold Dust' is one of the most popular of the Aucubas, named for its speckled leaves that look as if someone had sprinkled gold dust on them. These handsome leaves are the reason why most folks add this shrub to their garden. 'Gold Dust' will flower in late March and produce red berries in October, but neither is very noticeable next to the striking foliage.

Planting and Care 'Gold Dust' will mature as a rounded shrub six feet to eight feet tall by six feet wide. It can be kept severely pruned to a compact three foot by three foot shrub. 'Gold Dust' grows almost one foot per year. It is ideal as a dense screen; also in difficult spots in foundation plantings. Very pollution tolerant; excellent for urban sites.

Very easy to grow.

Plant in a shady location. Will tolerate morning sun. In Zones 6 and 7, avoid exposure to cold winter winds.

Prefers well-drained soil. Once established 'Gold Dust' is extremely drought tolerant.

If needed, prune in the spring before new growth begins.

Hardy in Zones 7-10 (6 with protection). 'Gold Dust' is one of the hardiest of the Aucubas.

Fertilize in spring with Plant-Tone or Cottonseed Meal.

Click here to view Aucuba japonica 'Gold Dust' on the Carroll Gardens website.

Alan Summers, president of Carroll Gardens, Inc., has over 30 years experience in gardening and landscape design. He has made Carroll Gardens one of America's preeminent nurseries, having introduced more than 20 new perennials and woody shrubs over the years and reintroduced numerous "lost" cultivars back to American gardeners. Carroll Gardens publishes a weekly online newsletter written by Alan. It contains valuable gardening advice and tips and answers to customer questions. Click here to sign up for the Carroll Gardens weekly enewsletter. Every Saturday, Alan hosts a call-in gardening forum on WCBM radio - 680 AM. For those outside of the WCBM listening area, they can listen to radio show via the internet. Visit CarrollGardens.com to learn more.