What: Bright-red fruit forms on Aucuba japonica “Rozannie” even without a pollinizer. The glossy, dark-green leaves on this compact Japanese aucuba selection have a few coarse-like teeth near the tip, ... Native to Japan, the gold dust plant (Aucuba japonica) is a hardy but slow-growing evergreen shrub.

Understanding the Context

Also referred to as spotted laurel or Japanese laurel, it's known for its splashes of yellow and specks of gold on its leathery dark green leaves. Aucuba japonica, commonly known as Spotted Laurel, Japanese Laurel, or Gold Dust Plant, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub in the Garryaceae (Silk Tassel) family. Aucuba japonica was introduced into England in 1783 by Philip Miller 's pupil John Graeffer, at first as a plant for a heated greenhouse. It became widely cultivated as the "gold plant" by 19th-century gardeners.

Key Insights

Aucuba japonica, commonly called spotted laurel, is a rounded, shade-loving, evergreen shrub in the Garryaceae family, a small family that includes just two genera Garrya and Aucuba. The Japanese laurel (Aucuba japonica) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub of the Garryaceae family. These plants are often known simply as aucuba, although they are also known as Japanese aucuba, spotted laurel, and gold dust plants. Old plant pots, seed trays and compost sacks are often tucked away where nothing will grow. But many lovely plants will thrive in dry shade, it's just a matter of choosing the right ones Aucuba ...

Final Thoughts

Perfect for shady areas that need a touch of color, the Japanese aucuba plant brightens dark spots in the landscape with large leaves that are flecked with yellow-gold. Read this article to find out how to grow and care for aucuba plants.