Gold Dust Plant

Gold Dust Plant

1 Gallon
$19.90
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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.

$19.90
Container sizeSize guide

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 Living Plants

Size, shape and branching naturally vary

Description

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.

Quick Facts

Processed facts

  • Mature height: 4-6 ft
  • Mature spread: 4-6 ft

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  • 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
  • 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.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A good garden starts with the right size

Choose your starting point.

1 Gallon

1 Gallon

A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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5 Gallon

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

Explore 5 Gallon Plants

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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