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AUCUBA japonica 'Variegata'

Image of Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'

James Burghardt

Family

Cornaceae

Botanical Name

AUCUBA japonica 'Variegata'

Plant Common Name

Japanese Aucuba, Japanese Laurel, Variegated Japanese Laurel

General Description

Variegated Japanese aucuba (gold dust plant) is an evergreen shrub bearing glossy, leathery green leaves with golden yellow spots and bright red fruit in fall and winter.

Gold dust plant tolerates most well drained soils and prefers partial shade locations protected from hot afternoon sun and winter winds. It is a great hedge plant or shady foundation accent and can also be utilized as a cool-room houseplant.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 10

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m

  • Width

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring

  • Native To

    Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Drought, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Purple

  • Fruit Color

    Red

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Yellow, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Yellow, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Yellow, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    SpottedMottled

  • Bark Color

    Green, Gray

  • Bark Color Modifier

    Striped/Striated

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Foundation, Hedges, Houseplant

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes