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Gold Dust Shrub (Aucuba)
On a recent trip to the Knoxville Botanical Garden, I was re-introduced to a plant not used as much as it should be – gold dust shrub (Aucuba japonica). Hardy to USDA hardiness zones 6b-10, aucuba prefers a partial sun to heavy shaded area of the garden. Direct sunlight, even in the mostly cloudy winter may scorch some leaves.
Over the past 20 years I have grown a “plain green” foliage variety in my northeast Tennessee garden. The 7-8 foot shrub is tucked in among three Japanese maples. Its holly-like leaves and bright red berries become more noticeable after the surrounding maples have surrender their fall foliage.
Several gold and white speckled cultivars sparkle in an otherwise dreary winter garden. I particularly like ‘Picturata’, exhibiting large bright golden specks over the leaf center and splashed by tinier yellow dots. Aucuba is diecious, meaning the red fruits are borne on a female plant.
Branches on this 8-10 foot tall shrub are upright in habit. Growing needs are similar to hollies (Ilex spp.) – preferring a well-drained, richly composted and moist soil. Gold dust is pruned mostly to shape and limit plant height. Two year established shrubs demonstrate exceptional heat and drought tolerance.
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