Gold Flecks - Eye Catching in Garden

With a hint of spring in the air, variegated foliage, especially in the yellows and golds makes one know spring can't be too far away. Aucuba japonica, Japanese Aucuba 'Gold Dust' in the garden made me think of warm sunny days which is definitely a plus in the winter garden. Aucuba is March's Plant of the Month at the Wilson Arboretum and Botanical Garden,t 1806 S. Goldsboro Street, come and visit us.

Aucuba is a medium size shrub, 6-10 feet in height and less in spread. It has leathery, 3-8 inch long leaves, lustrous dark green above (or variegated) and paler green underneath. It grows in a dense upright-rounded form. It rarely needs pruning to keep it's shape. It grows well here in Zone 7B and south to Zone 10. It is a slow grower but can be forced into quicker growth with ample water and fertilizer.

Flowers in late March and produces scarlet berry fruit in October but both are rarely seen because they are covered by the dense foliage.

Aucuba can easily be transplanted by container grown plants. Plant in a well-drained soil, moist and additional organic matter well encourage quicker establishment. Must be planted in the shade. Our variegated plant is in a semi-shaded area. The leaves that receive the most sun burn and blacken during the summer heat. Excellent plant to put under trees were grass won't grow. Winter shade is also beneficial or green leave may become sickly pale.

Stem die-back can occur on Aucuba. This may occur from a disease organism. But mostly disease and insect free.

Besides using under trees can also be used around the north and east side of houses, and variegated types will brighten up a dark corner of the garden.

The Wilson Arboretum and Botanical Garden has a green cultivar and the 'Variegata' or Gold Dust. Gold Dust was introduced in 1783 from japan. It is a yellow-flecked form and female. This cultivar tends to keep its variegation whereas other revert back to green. 'Variegata' also tends to be one of the most cold hardy of the Aucubas.

Does not propagate by seed although cuttings root easily, about any time of the year.

The Wilson Arboretum and Botanical Garden is open daily from sun up until dusk. The Wilson County Master Gardeners can answer gardening questions from 1-3 PM Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays by calling 237-0113 or email at wilsonmastergardener@hotmail.com.

Date Created: 3/22/04.