Gold Dust Plant

Aucuba japonica variegata, also known as the Gold Dust Plant, Golden Plant or Spotted Laurel, is native to the mountainous forests of Japan, where it thrives in shady areas. This plant is known for its large, leathery, dark green leaves adorned with golden-yellow spots that resemble gold dust, giving it a vibrant and exotic appearance.

Ideal for beautifying shady gardens or low-light interiors, Aucuba japonica variegata adapts well to low-light conditions. Its hardiness and ease of maintenance make it a popular choice for those looking for a long-lasting, decorative plant. When grown outdoors, it can be used to create dense, colourful hedges, while indoors, it brings a touch of lush nature to dimly lit spaces.

This plant can reach heights of between 1.5 and 3 meters outdoors, while indoors its growth can be controlled with regular pruning. Aucuba japonica is also cold-resistant, tolerating low temperatures, and adapts well to urban environments.

An interesting fact about Aucuba is that it is a dioecious plant, meaning there are separate male and female plants. The female plants produce bright red berries, as long as a male plant is nearby to pollinate the flowers.