Bring year-round color to shady spots with Aucuba japonica 'Variegata - Gold Dust'. You will love its glossy, leathery green leaves spattered and mottled with golden yellow, creating a bright, speckled look even where many plants fade. This evergreen shrub is especially useful along north- and east-facing walls, under high tree canopies, and in sheltered courtyards where light is limited.
At maturity, expect a dense, rounded to upright form about 48-72 inches tall, with a similar spread when grown in good soil and consistent moisture. Place it in part shade to full shade for the best foliage; too much direct sun can scorch the variegated leaves. If you grow both male and female plants nearby, female plants can produce attractive red berries that persist into winter for added seasonal interest.
Once established, this aucuba handles dry periods better than many shade shrubs, and it is also a good choice for landscapes that see some salt influence. Give it well-drained soil amended with organic matter, mulch to keep roots cool, and water during extended droughts. Prune lightly as needed to shape or to remove winter damage, and use it as a foundation plant, hedge, screen, or bold evergreen accent in shade gardens.