Garden Inventory: Aucuba japonioca variegata (Gold Dust Plant)

Garden Inventory: Aucuba japonioca variegata (Gold Dust Plant)

Aucuba japonica, commonly called spotted laurel,[1] Japanese laurel,[1] Japanese aucuba[1] or gold dust plant (USA), is a shrub (1-5m) native to rich forest soils of moist valleys, thickets, by streams and near shaded moist rocks in China and Japan. This is the species of Aucuba commonly seen in gardens – often in variegated form. The leaves are opposite, broad lanceolate, 5–8 cm long and 2–5 cm wide. Aucuba japonica are dioecious, they have separate male and female plants. The flowers are small, 4–8 mm diameter, with four purplish-brown petals; they are produced in clusters of 10-30 in a loose cyme. The fruit is a red berry approximately 1 cm in diameter, which is avoided by birds.[2] – Wikipedia.org

This is new addition to the garden, as we only planted it about 2-3 weeks ago. I placed 2 plants in a bed along the southern fence on our property where it is very shady. The back garden needs a lot of “greening up” so this was one of our first purchases to start that process. I love variegated plants, especially in the shade, so this one caught my eye immediately when I saw it at the nursery. Both plants appear to be settling into their new locations which new leaf growth showing on both.

Photos ofAucuba japonioca Variegata (Gold Dust Plant) with closeups of leaves, growing habit, and stems.

More information on Aucuba japonioca Variegata (Gold Dust Plant):

Previously on Garden Inventory:

Garden Inventory is a series where I begin an inventory of all the plants and trees in my garden. Along with some of my own pictures, I will link to various sources of information about each plant and tree so we can learn a little more together.

I would also like to highlight your special plants and tress. Pass along your favorite plants in the comments and I will use them for future Garden Inventory posts. — Douglas