Maintenance Landscaping Design

Gold dust aucuba is an evergreen shrub that is native to China and Japan. It is often used as a hedge or foundation plant in landscaping. The leaves of this plant are variable in shape and size, but typically have a dark green color with gold or yellow spots. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a red berry.

Popular name

• Japanese laurel
  
• Gold dust plant
  
• Aucuba japonica
  
• Variegated aucuba
  
• Spotted laurel

Things to Know

• Gold dust aucuba is a shrub with small, glossy leaves that are variegated with yellow and green.
  
• It is native to China, Japan, and Korea.
  
• It grows best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
  
• It is resistant to drought and salt.
  
• It can be pruned to maintain a compact shape.
  
• It is typically propagated by cuttings.
  
• It can be affected by powdery mildew and leaf spot.
  
• It is a popular plant for use in bonsai.
  
• It is sometimes used as an herbal remedy.
  
• The variegated leaves can be used as a decorative element in arrangements.

Related plant:
Physocarpus Opulifolius Darts Gold

Planting Process

1. For gold dust aucuba, first step is to find a planting site. This shrub prefers partial to full sun, and well-drained soil.
   
2. Once you have found the perfect location, it is time to prepare the planting hole. The hole should be twice the width of the plant’s root ball, and just as deep.
   
3. After the hole is prepared, it is time to plant your gold dust aucuba. Gently remove the plant from its container, and loosen any tightly wound roots.
   
4. Set the plant in the hole, and fill in around it with the displaced soil. Tamp down lightly.
   
5. Water the plant thoroughly.
   
6. For the first few weeks, water your gold dust aucuba regularly, until it becomes established.
   
7. Once established, this shrub is quite drought tolerant.
   
8. Fertilize gold dust aucuba in early spring, using a fertilizer formulated for shrubs.
   
9. This shrub does not require pruning, but can be lightly shaping if desired.
   
10. Gold dust aucuba is generally disease and pest free.

Related plant:
Potentilla Goldfinger

The Soil

About soil condition, gold dust aucuba prefers soil that is well-drained but moisture retentive. It will also tolerate a wide range of pH levels, from acidic to alkaline. This plant is not particular about soil type, as long as it is not waterlogged.

About light

Like the other Aucuba species, the Gold Dust Aucuba is tolerant of low light conditions and will even do well in shade. However, if you want your plant to really thrive, it's best to give it some sun. Place it in an area that gets bright indirect light for best results.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition required for gold dust aucuba to thrive is between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They preferpartial sun to partial shade, and will do well in both indoor and outdoor settings. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch.Water them regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize monthly during the growing season.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-60%. Above or below this range can negatively affect the plant. Too much humidity can lead to powdery mildew or other diseases, while too little humidity can cause the leaves to become dry and brown.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant does not require high levels of nutrients in order to remain healthy. A moderate feeding of a balanced fertilizer will provide just the right amount of nourishment for your Gold Dust Aucuba. It is best to apply fertilizer to the soil around your plant during the springtime, and then again in the fall. As for watering, the Gold Dust Aucuba does best when the roots are allowed to dry out slightly between watering.

About light

Pruning your gold dust aucuba is important to encourage new growth and to keep your plant looking its best. You can prune your aucuba any time of year, but late winter or early spring is best. To prune, simply cut back any leggy or overgrown branches. You can also cut back the plant to encourage bushier growth.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done by rooting stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Select healthy, disease-free plant material and take 4- to 6-inch-long cuttings from young, actively growing stems. Dip the cut surface in rooting hormone, then plant in moistened, well-drained potting mix. Place the pot in a shady location and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Rooting should occur in 4 to 6 weeks. Once rooted, transplants can be moved to a sunny location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid during the first 2 to 3 years after planting. Thereafter, growth slows somewhat, but the plant continues to increase in size for many years. Gold dust aucuba is an evergreen shrub that may eventually reach a height of 10 feet or more, although it is usually much smaller. This plant grows well in full sun or partial shade and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spots, powdery mildew, root rot, and stem cankers. These problems are caused by different fungi and bacteria. Leaf spots are the most common problem and are caused by different fungi. They can be prevented by keeping the leaves dry and by not overcrowding the plant. Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus and can be prevented by keeping the leaves dry and by not overcrowding the plant. Root rot is caused by different fungi and can be prevented by planting the plant in well-drained soil. Stem cankers are caused by different fungi and can be prevented by pruning out the affected parts of the plant.

Tips on Growing

• Do not forget to water your gold dust aucuba plant regularly. The plant cannot tolerate drought conditions.
  
• The plant prefers slightly acidic soil, so make sure to use a potting mix that is acidic.
  
• Choose a location for your plant that has partial sun to full shade.
  
• Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season with an acidic fertilizer.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
  
• Be sure to protect your plant from frost during the winter months.
  
• Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering your plant again.
  
• Pinch back the tips of new growth to encourage a fuller plant.
  
• Remove any dead or dying leaves or stems from the plant as needed.
  
• Enjoy the colorful foliage of your gold dust aucuba plant!

Similar Plants

• Albuca nelsonii: Albuca nelsonii (or Nelson’s Albuca) is an endemic plant from the Drakensberg Mtns in South Africa.
  
• Caragana arborescens: Caragana arborescens (tree pea, Siberian peashrub, or Chinese pea tree) is a species of deciduous shrub or small tree in the pea family, native to central and northern China, Mongolia, and southeastern Siberia.
  
• Cornus alba: Cornus alba (tatarian dogwood, red twig dogwood, or tatarian Cornel) is a species of flowering plant in the family Cornaceae, native to eastern Asia in northeast China, the Korean Peninsula, and southeastern Siberia, where it grows on mountainsides, forest edges, and in floodplain habitats.
  
• Cotoneaster horizontalis: Cotoneaster horizontalis (rooting cotoneaster,

Source:
Gold-dust Plant (Aucuba japonica 'Vaiegata')
Sprinkle Gold Dust aucuba in landscapes - Mississippi State …
Aucuba japonica var 'Variegata': Gold Dust Aucuba - LSU