Gold Dust Plant Aucuba japonica 'Golden Spangles' (f/v)
ABOUT
Aucuba japonica 'Golden Spangles', commonly known as Gold Dust Aucuba or Spotted Laurel, is an ornamental plant renowned for its striking foliage. The plant features broad, shiny green leaves that are heavily splattered with yellow to gold spots and irregular markings, giving the impression of having been sprinkled with gold dust. The variegated patterns on the leaves are distinct, with each leaf bearing its unique combination of spots and splotches. The leaves are leathery to the touch and maintain their vivid colors throughout the year, making the plant a vivid addition to shaded garden areas. Gold Dust Aucuba produces small clusters of purple-maroon flowers inconspicuously nestled among the leaves in spring, often followed by bright red berries in the fall and winter, though fruiting is typically only on female plants. The overall appearance of the plant is lush and tropical, making it a popular choice for adding a splash of color to darker, shaded landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Garryaceae.
Synonyms
Gold Dust Plant, Japanese Aucuba, Variegated Japanese Laurel, Spotted Laurel, Gold Spangles.
Common names
Aucuba japonica var. variegata, Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese laurel, although not highly toxic to humans, can cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms are not usually severe and may include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To pets
The Japanese laurel is considered to be mildly toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. If ingested, it can lead to gastrointestinal upset, manifesting as vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly abdominal pain. While not typically life-threatening, it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting the plant and to consult a veterinarian if significant consumption has occurred.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Purple
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
5-9 feet (1.5-2.7 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7-9
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The variegated leaves of Aucuba japonica 'Golden Spangles' add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes, with their golden-yellow splashes brightening up shady areas.
- Shade Tolerance: It is well-suited for shaded environments where other plants may struggle, making it an ideal choice for underplanting beneath trees or in shadowed garden corners.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal maintenance once established, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Aucuba japonica 'Golden Spangles' is generally resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy plant with little intervention.
- Year-Round Interest: Its evergreen leaves maintain interest throughout the year, even in the winter months when other plants may have died back.
- Urban Tolerance: This plant can thrive in urban conditions, dealing well with pollution and restricted soil conditions common in city landscapes.
- Wildlife Support: It provides shelter and sometimes food for local wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in a variety of ways in the garden, including as a specimen plant, for hedging or in mixed borders.
- Soil Adaptability: Aucuba japonica 'Golden Spangles' can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining, fertile soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aucuba japonica 'Golden Spangles', commonly known as Gold Dust Plant, can be grown in containers and indoors in regions with harsh winters, allowing for year-round enjoyment of its ornamental features.
- The variegated leaves of Gold Dust Plant can be used in floral arrangements to add a splash of color and texture, offering a lasting decorative element.
- When planted in hidden corners of a garden, Gold Dust Plant can become a surprising discovery for visitors as the golden spots of the leaves catch the light.
- Gold Dust Plant can serve as a natural privacy screen when planted in a row along property boundaries or to shield unsightly views.
- The dense foliage of the Gold Dust Plant provides excellent shelter for small garden wildlife, such as insects and birds, enhancing biodiversity.
- In a sensory garden, the unique texture and color contrast of Gold Dust Plant leaves can be used to stimulate the senses and contribute to a therapeutic environment.
- Gold Dust Plant can be incorporated into theme gardens that focus on gold or yellow tones, creating a cohesive color scheme throughout the landscape.
- The resilient nature of the Gold Dust Plant makes it suitable for urban gardens where air pollution and lack of space can be challenging for other species.
- In educational settings, Gold Dust Plant can be used to demonstrate variegation patterns in leaves and to teach principles of plant adaptation and survival.
- The Gold Dust Plant can be used as a companion plant for other shade-loving species, helping to highlight their attributes and creating a more diverse understorey in shaded garden areas.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Golden Dust is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Golden Dust is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Aucuba japonica, commonly known as the Japanese laurel or spotted laurel, is a hardy plant that can thrive in a range of conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand adversity.
- Protection: The dense foliage of the Japanese laurel has been associated with shelter and hence symbolizes protection or a safe haven.
- Clarity and Vision: 'Golden Spangles' features bright yellow spots on its leaves, offering a contrast that can symbolize clarity and the importance of vision amid darkness or uncertainty.
- Longevity: Japanese laurel is an evergreen species, often representing longevity and enduring life.
- Wealth and Prosperity: The shiny leaves, especially those with gold variegation such as in 'Golden Spangles', can also symbolize wealth due to their resemblance to gold specks.
WaterGolden Dust Aucuba should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Ideally, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering every one to two weeks. Use tepid water slowly poured around the base of the plant until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. In a household setting, this might equate to about half a gallon for a medium-sized pot every couple of weeks, adjusting for very hot or dry conditions where more frequent watering may be necessary.
LightGolden Dust Aucuba thrives best in bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate lower light conditions. Position the plant in a spot where it's shielded from direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. An east or north-facing window would provide an ideal balance of light throughout the day.
TemperatureGolden Dust Aucuba prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to temperatures below this for extended periods. This plant does well in the typical temperature range found in most homes.
PruningPruning Golden Dust Aucuba is mainly to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged leaves. Prune in the spring before the growth season begins for best results. It is generally not necessary to prune this plant often; doing so once a year should be sufficient unless there is visible damage or overgrowth that needs attention.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Japanese Laurel 'Golden Spangles' is well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix of two-thirds peat or loam with one-third sand or perlite will provide the necessary drainage and aeration.
RepottingJapanese Laurel 'Golden Spangles' should be repotted every two to three years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to allow the plant to acclimate before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Laurel 'Golden Spangles' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels; ideally between 40% to 60%. Regular misting or a pebble tray can help maintain the right humidity around the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Japanese Laurel 'Golden Spangles' in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Japanese Laurel 'Golden Spangles' in partial shade and sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
6-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Aucuba japonica 'Golden Spangles', commonly known as the Gold Dust Plant or Japanese Laurel, starts with seed germination, which requires warm temperatures and can take many weeks. After germination, seedlings grow into juvenile plants with a distinctive golden-spotted foliage. As they mature, these evergreen shrubs reach their typical adult size of 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, and they develop a dense and bushy form. Gold Dust Plants are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants; if both genders are present, the female plants produce small purple flowers in the spring, which then turn into red berries by late summer or fall if pollinated by a male. The plant continues to grow and thrive for many years, requiring minimal maintenance, and can be propagated through cuttings to produce new plants. Gold Dust Plant eventually concludes its life cycle when it succumbs to environmental stresses, diseases, or simply old age after several decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Aucuba japonica 'Golden Spangles', more commonly known as the gold dust plant, can typically be propagated by stem cuttings. The most favorable time for this method is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by stem cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a section of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length. The cut should be made just below a leaf node, where the concentration of growth hormones is high. The lower leaves of the cutting are then removed, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that one or two leaf nodes are buried in the soil. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid environment, preferably with indirect light, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged until the cutting has rooted, which usually takes several weeks.
