Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (2024)

  • Full Shade (Less Than 2 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
  • Mature Height 4 - 6 Feet
  • Mature Spread 4 - 5 Feet
  • Growing Zones 6 - 9

It is the colorful green and gold foliage that really makes this evergreen shrub stand out. As its name suggests, the large leaves of the variegated Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba are decorated with yellow-gold blotches. Easy to grow, this Aucuba japonica cultivar is male and can help pollinate nearby female varieties. Its eventual height is 4 to 6 feet.

As its name implies, this Japanese laurel is native to parts of Asia. It forms a pleasing round habit of dense lush growth and is equally happy when grown in a container or used to form a hedge. It is cold hardy and suitable for hardiness zones 6 to 9. Furthermore, Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba is slow growing and requires minimal maintenance.

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba Care

This striking Aucuba thrives and produces the best foliage color when it is grown in full or partial shade. It can cope with any soil type but has a preference for a fertile, well-drained and neutral to acidic substrate. It prefers moist soil, especially while getting established and will benefit from a general fertilizer in early spring.

Since the Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba is slow growing and naturally forms a rounded shape, it rarely needs pruning. However, if required, you can lightly shape it in early spring.

Since container-grown plants dry out more quickly than those grown in the ground, you will need to water this aucuba more regularly if you keep him in a pot.

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba Spacing

Over time, Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba tends to reach 4 to 6 feet high and 4 to 5 feet wide. When planting as a group or a row, a spacing of 4 to 5 feet is appropriate.

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba Information

USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 - 9
Plant Type: Bushes
Light Exposure: Full Shade (Less Than 2 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height: 4 - 6 Feet
Mature Spread: 4 - 5 Feet
Spacing: 5 - 9 Feet
Habit: Upright
Flower Color(s): Purple, Red
Flower Description:
Bloom Period: Spring
Foliage Type: Evergreen
Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow
Foliage Description: Variegated
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering
Watering: Average
Resists: Deer
Tolerates: Drought
Attracts: Butterflies
Container Role:
Uses: Specimen or Focal Point
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance
Brand:
Common Name: Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba
Other Name(s):
Scientific Name: Aucuba japonica Mr. Gold Strike
SKU:
1231014789-pc

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (1)

4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container

Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (2)

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart

Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (3)

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot

Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (4)

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (5)

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (6)

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons


For more detailed information, please click here.

Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)

Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.

For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.

The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.

For more information, please click on our page below.

Guarantee and Warranty

Plant Shipping

Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.

Winter to Early Spring

We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.

Summer

If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.

Fall into Winter

We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!

Winter

Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.

Click here for more detailed shipping information.

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (2024)

FAQs

What is the growth rate of Mr Goldstrike Aucuba? ›

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

How do you care for Mr Goldstrike Aucuba? ›

Thrives in organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates drier conditions in cooler summer climates.

How fast does gold dust aucuba grow? ›

Gold dust plants are slow-growing. It can take 10 or more years for a 6- to 10-foot tall plant to reach its mature height.

Why is my Aucuba turning black? ›

The blackening of the leaves is usually caused by root stress due to excess moisture levels in the soil during cold, wet winters. Other forms of stress, including root diseases (mainly phytophthora root rots) might also be involved.

Where is the best place to plant aucuba? ›

Grow in any soil as long that is not prone to being very wet. They like sun or shade. However, aucuba cultivars with heavy yellow spotting on leaves can suffer from leaf scorch if planted in a very sunny hot, dry position.

Can you keep aucuba small? ›

In the Garden

Aucubas normally grow from 6 to 10 feet tall, but can easily be pruned to keep them much smaller.

Does Aucuba spread? ›

Mature Height/Spread

Aucuba usually grows 6 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. It can grow up to 15 feet tall. A dense, upright to rounded shrub, it usually remains neat and tidy.

How long does Aucuba live? ›

It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. This shrub does best in partial shade to shade.

Is Aucuba cold hardy? ›

Aucuba japonica grows best in shade or part shade, in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil, and is reliably hardy to USDA Zone 7 (minimum temperature 0 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it is a remarkably adaptable plant, and will tolerate sandy or clay soils, ocean breezes, urban pollution, and even deep shade.

How often do you water Aucuba? ›

When tending to the water needs of the Japanese Laurel, you want to make sure that its soil is always slightly moist. However, do not allow the soil to get soggy, as this could result in complications such as root rot. Water on a weekly basis, and allow the first couple inches of soil to dry before watering once more.

Why is my gold dust plant dying? ›

Over/under-watering causes yellow leaves, root rot, or wilting. Check soil before watering. Bright, indirect light and stable temps (60-85°F) are crucial for vibrant foliage.

What goes well with Aucuba? ›

  • A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Hydrangea, Japanese Maple and Boxwood. ...
  • An Elegant Summer Garden Idea with Hydrangea, Rose and Astilbe. ...
  • Flowers and Herbs for a Rock Garden. ...
  • A Four-Season Border with Evergreen Conifers and Japanese Maples. ...
  • A Glowing Winter Border with Dogwood, Heath and Grasses.

Why are the leaves on my gold dust Aucuba plant turning yellow? ›

There are several possible reasons for yellowing and foliage loss. The most common would include over or underwatering, and too much sun. Aucuba needs an organic, acid soil that is evenly moist yet well drained meaning damp like a wrung out sponge and not saturated/sopping wet or dried out.

What diseases do Aucuba plants get? ›

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Plants occasionally suffer from scale, root rot, nematodes, and mealybugs. Fungal leaf spot, southern blight sometimes occurs. Dwarf cultivar is compact, 3' x 3', slow grower; foliage green with dusting of yellow.

Is Aucuba drought tolerant? ›

It's drought tolerant once established. Landscape use: Aucubas prefer a rich, sandy loam with some organic matter but they will adapt successfully to a heavier soil as long as drainage is good. They are best when used in mass, planted close together because they grow so slowly.

Is Aucuba fast growing? ›

Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' Hedge Plants

Spotted Laurel hedging grows on average 20-40cm per year, and we advise pruning this shrub to maintain shape during spring. Acububa japonica 'Crotonifolia' is a reliable garden plant, as it grows well in most soil conditions, unlike other variegated species.

Is Euonymus a fast grower? ›

Growth Rate: Most euonymus species grow medium to fast (13 to 24 inches per year), except for E.

Does aucuba spread? ›

Mature Height/Spread

Aucuba usually grows 6 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. It can grow up to 15 feet tall. A dense, upright to rounded shrub, it usually remains neat and tidy.

Is Aucuba winter hardy? ›

Aucuba japonica is native to the Himalayas and Japan and was brought to the United States by Robert Hall about 1860 and is now a favorite in many southern gardens. It is a member of the Garryaceae or dogwood family. It can be grown in zones 7 to 9 and is cold hardy to about minus 5 degrees.

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