Plant Database
Gold Dust Plant
Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’
Gold Dust Plant is a classic, versatile evergreen shrub prized for its striking foliage. Its large, glossy, leathery leaves are a deep, forest green and are heavily and randomly splashed with bright golden-yellow spots, as if flicked with paint. It is exceptionally shade-tolerant and easy-care, thriving where few other plants with such vibrant color will grow. It makes an excellent, low-maintenance solution for adding year-round light and texture to deeply shaded borders, foundation plantings, or as a container specimen.
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Striking Variegated Foliage: Features large, glossy green leaves generously speckled with bright yellow-gold spots.
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Exceptional Shade Tolerance: One of the best shrubs for deep shade, where its golden variegation brightens dark areas.
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Dense, Upright Habit: Forms a robust, rounded mound of foliage, slowly reaching 4-6 feet tall and wide.
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Very Low Maintenance: Tolerates drought, poor soil, air pollution, and root competition. Requires minimal pruning.
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Versatile for Shade Gardens: Ideal for shaded foundations, woodland underplanting, or as a tough, colorful hedge in low light.