Aucuba japonica 'Mr. Goldstrike'

Mr. Goldstrike Acuba

A bold, evergreen shade shrub prized for its large, glossy dark green leaves heavily splashed with bright golden-yellow spots. ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ is one of the most dramatic gold-speckled aucubas and excels at bringing high-contrast foliage color to deep shade.

Key features



Width: 6–8 ft



Height: 8–10 ft



Foliage: Large, glossy dark green leaves with bold yellow spotting



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; highly adaptable



Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established



Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10



Landscape use



Shade foundations and hedges



Woodland and shade gardens



Evergreen screens and backdrops



Containers (with winter protection in colder zones)



Urban and low-maintenance landscapes



Notes



Excellent tolerance of deep shade



Generally deer resistant



Male cultivar — does not produce berries but can pollinate female aucubas



Foliage color is best in shade; sun can scorch leaves



Minimal pruning required; shape as needed in spring

Plant type

Evergreen Shrub

Height

8-10'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Bark

Smooth

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No