Aucuba Gold Dust

Gold Dust Aucuba

A tough, evergreen shade shrub prized for its glossy dark green leaves heavily splashed with golden yellow spots. ‘Gold Dust’ adds bold foliage color to deep shade where few shrubs thrive and is highly valued for its durability and year-round interest.

Key features



Width: 6–8 ft



Height: 6–10 ft



Foliage: Dark green, glossy leaves with bright yellow speckling



Form: Upright, dense, rounded shrub



Texture: Coarse



Life cycle: Evergreen shrub



Growing conditions



Sun: Part shade to full shade (avoid hot afternoon sun)



Soil: Average, well-drained; adaptable



Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established



Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10



Landscape use



Shade foundations and hedges



Woodland and shade gardens



Evergreen screens



Containers (with protection in colder zones)



Urban and tough sites



Notes



Excellent tolerance of deep shade



Generally deer resistant



Protect from winter winds in colder climates



Female plants may produce red berries if a male pollinator is nearby



Foliage color brightest in full shade

Plant type

Evergreen Shrub

Height

6-10'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Winter

Leaf color

Gold, Olive Drab

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Provide Shade

Shape

Broad Upright

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No