Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (2024)

  • Full Shade (Less Than 2 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
  • Mature Height 4 - 6 Feet
  • Mature Spread 4 - 5 Feet
  • Growing Zones 6 - 9

It is the colorful green and gold foliage that really makes this evergreen shrub stand out. As its name suggests, the large leaves of the variegated Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba are decorated with yellow-gold blotches. Easy to grow, this Aucuba japonica cultivar is male and can help pollinate nearby female varieties. Its eventual height is 4 to 6 feet.

As its name implies, this Japanese laurel is native to parts of Asia. It forms a pleasing round habit of dense lush growth and is equally happy when grown in a container or used to form a hedge. It is cold hardy and suitable for hardiness zones 6 to 9. Furthermore, Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba is slow growing and requires minimal maintenance.

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba Care

This striking Aucuba thrives and produces the best foliage color when it is grown in full or partial shade. It can cope with any soil type but has a preference for a fertile, well-drained and neutral to acidic substrate. It prefers moist soil, especially while getting established and will benefit from a general fertilizer in early spring.

Since the Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba is slow growing and naturally forms a rounded shape, it rarely needs pruning. However, if required, you can lightly shape it in early spring.

Since container-grown plants dry out more quickly than those grown in the ground, you will need to water this aucuba more regularly if you keep him in a pot.

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba Spacing

Over time, Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba tends to reach 4 to 6 feet high and 4 to 5 feet wide. When planting as a group or a row, a spacing of 4 to 5 feet is appropriate.

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba Information

USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 - 9
Plant Type: Bushes
Light Exposure: Full Shade (Less Than 2 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height: 4 - 6 Feet
Mature Spread: 4 - 5 Feet
Spacing: 5 - 9 Feet
Habit: Upright
Flower Color(s): Purple, Red
Flower Description:
Bloom Period: Spring
Foliage Type: Evergreen
Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow
Foliage Description: Variegated
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering
Watering: Average
Resists: Deer
Tolerates: Drought
Attracts: Butterflies
Container Role:
Uses: Specimen or Focal Point
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance
Brand:
Common Name: Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba
Other Name(s):
Scientific Name: Aucuba japonica Mr. Gold Strike
SKU:
1231014789-pc

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (1)

4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container

Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (2)

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart

Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (3)

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot

Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (4)

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (5)

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (6)

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons


For more detailed information, please click here.

Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)

Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.

For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.

The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.

For more information, please click on our page below.

Guarantee and Warranty

Plant Shipping

Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.

Winter to Early Spring

We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.

Summer

If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.

Fall into Winter

We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!

Winter

Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.

Click here for more detailed shipping information.

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba (2024)

FAQs

What is the growth rate of Mr Goldstrike Aucuba? ›

Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

How do you care for Mr Goldstrike Aucuba? ›

Container plants require consistent moisture when placed outside in summer with monthly applications of a liquid fertilizer, but should be given less water in winter. Indoor plants require a cool room with temperatures in the 50-65°F range. 'Mr. Goldstrike' is a non-fruiting male cultivar.

Why is my gold dust Aucuba turning black? ›

Cause. The blackening of the leaves is usually caused by root stress due to excess moisture levels in the soil during cold, wet winters. Other forms of stress, including root diseases (mainly phytophthora root rots) might also be involved.

How fast does gold dust aucuba grow? ›

Gold dust plants are slow-growing. It can take 10 or more years for a 6- to 10-foot tall plant to reach its mature height.

Where is the best place to plant aucuba? ›

Buy and plant aucuba at any time of year when weather conditions permit; autumn or early spring are the optimum times. Plant in sun, partial shade, or full shade, depending on the variety, and keep moist during dry spells for the first growing season. Prune if necessary to restrict growth, in spring.

Why is my aucuba dying? ›

The most common would include over or underwatering, and too much sun. Aucuba needs an organic, acid soil that is evenly moist yet well drained meaning damp like a wrung out sponge and not saturated/sopping wet or dried out.

Can aucuba survive winter? ›

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.

Can you keep aucuba small? ›

Although the plant needs little maintenance, it does respond well to pruning to maintain size and a compact form. The plant is a broadleaf evergreen, which should be pruned in early spring for best results.

Are aucuba fast growing? ›

It is a useful and hard-working plant that creates structure and interest all year round. It is one of the few shrubs that thrives in shade because of its large, glossy leaves. Aucuba grows faster than most evergreen shrubs, but not as fast as some deciduous shrubs.

How often do you water aucuba? ›

When tending to the water needs of the Japanese Laurel, you want to make sure that its soil is always slightly moist. However, do not allow the soil to get soggy, as this could result in complications such as root rot. Water on a weekly basis, and allow the first couple inches of soil to dry before watering once more.

Should I mist my gold dust plant? ›

Watering Needs

When watering, water the plant moderately and slowly from above, allowing water to soak through to the roots, then tip out any excess water. Reduce watering during the cold season. Mist the leaves to promote shiny foliage.

How much water does gold dust Aucuba need? ›

Gold Dust Plant needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn't get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0" pot.

What is the best fertilizer for aucuba? ›

Feeding
  • Apply general fertiliser such as Vitax Q4, Growmore or fish, blood and bone after planting in spring.
  • Regular feeding of established plants is not generally needed.
  • If plants are not growing well or have developed blackened or scorched leaves, they may benefit from a spring application of a general fertiliser.

How long does aucuba live? ›

It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. This shrub does best in partial shade to shade.

Why is my gold dust plant dying? ›

Over/under-watering causes yellow leaves, root rot, or wilting. Check soil before watering. Bright, indirect light and stable temps (60-85°F) are crucial for vibrant foliage.

What is the rate of growth for Euonymus? ›

The growth rate of Euonymus hedges can vary depending on the variety, soil conditions, sun exposure, and maintenance. On average, Euonymus Japonicus varieties can grow at a rate of around 10-20cm per year, while Euonymus Fortunei varieties can grow up to 30cm per year.

What is the growth rate of gold mop cypress? ›

It grows slowly, up to 5 feet tall and wide with a rounded, pyramidal form, but may take up to 10 years to reach 2 feet in height. This plant does best in sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, moist to average soils.

References

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