Gold Dust Aucuba Aucuba Japonoica Variegata 3 Gal

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 6b(-5 to 0°F)-9 where this shrub is best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Plants in hot summer climates perform best with plenty of shade, particularly from afternoon sun (young leaves are susceptible to burning). Established plants have very good drought tolerance. Plants tolerate average to nutritionally poor soils and most city air pollutants. Avoid overly moist to wet soils. Site in locations protected from strong winds, particularly near the northern edge of the growing range. Plantings in Zone 6b do best in protected locations or warm micro-climates.

‘Variegata’, sometimes commonly called gold dust laurel, is a cultivar whose green leaves are attractively and irregularly variegated with yellow spots and blotches. Foliage color can vary considerably depending on the amount of sun exposure. Best foliage colors generally occur in part shade locations. Yellow spots on the deep green leaves may fade in too much shade. On the other hand, green leaf color may fade to various shades of yellow sometimes with accompanying foliage burn in full sun locations.