Gold Dust Plant

Gold Dust Plant

5 Gallon
$62.90
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Gold Dust Plant
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Gold Dust Plant

Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'

An exceptionally shade-tolerant evergreen with gold-speckled foliage for brightening dark garden corners.

$62.90
Size

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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.

  • Striking Variegated Foliage: Features large, glossy green leaves generously speckled with bright yellow-gold spots.

  • Exceptional Shade Tolerance: One of the best shrubs for deep shade, where its golden variegation brightens dark areas.

  • Dense, Upright Habit: Forms a robust, rounded mound of foliage, slowly reaching 4-6 feet tall and wide.

  • Very Low Maintenance: Tolerates drought, poor soil, air pollution, and root competition. Requires minimal pruning.

  • Versatile for Shade Gardens: Ideal for shaded foundations, woodland underplanting, or as a tough, colorful hedge in low light.

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts
  • Features:Foliage: Oval, leathery dark green leaves with vibrant gold speckles and serrated edges,Variegation: Sun exposure dramatically affects coloration - more gold in shade,Growth Habit: Dense, rounded evergreen shrub
  • Mature Height: 4-6 ft
  • Mature Width: 4-6 ft
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Light Needs: Deep shade to partial shade
  • Key Advantages:Thrives in difficult shady areas,Exceptional drought tolerance,Urban pollution resistant,Deer proof,Low maintenance
  • Landscape Uses:Deep shade gardens,Understory plantings,Foundation shrubs,Container plants,Indoor atrium specimens
FAQs

Q: Will it lose its gold spots in too much shade?
A: No, that's its superpower. The variegation is stable and actually appears brightest in partial to full shade. In too much direct, hot sun, the leaves can scorch and bleach.

Q: Does it have berries?
A: 'Variegata' is typically a female cultivar. If a male aucuba (like 'Mr. Goldstrike') is planted nearby, it will produce attractive (but toxic) bright red berries in winter, adding seasonal interest.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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