{"product_id":"aucuba-golden-king","title":"Aucuba Golden King","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGolden King Aucuba - Gold Variegated Evergreen Shade Shrub\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrighten shady areas of your landscape with the dramatic foliage of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGolden King Aucuba\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This bold broadleaf evergreen features large, glossy dark green leaves heavily splashed, spotted, and marbled with brilliant golden yellow, creating outstanding year-round color even in deeply shaded garden spaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlso known as Golden King Japanese Laurel, this dependable shade-loving shrub develops a dense, rounded growth habit and provides lush evergreen structure throughout the seasons. Its colorful foliage makes it especially effective beneath trees, along shaded foundations, beside covered porches, and anywhere a bright evergreen accent is needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGolden King is also a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emale Aucuba cultivar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, making it an excellent pollinator for compatible female Aucuba varieties that produce decorative red berries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy You'll Love Golden King Aucuba\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExceptional Golden Variegation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Large glossy leaves feature bold yellow splashes, spots, and markings that provide dramatic contrast against deep green foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOutstanding for Shade:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Performs beautifully in partial shade to full shade, including locations where many colorful shrubs struggle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear-Round Evergreen Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Broad evergreen foliage provides dependable structure and color through every season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBold Tropical Appearance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Large leathery leaves create a lush, tropical effect while remaining hardy enough for many temperate landscapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Aucuba Pollinator:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Golden King is a male cultivar that can pollinate compatible female Aucuba plants for improved berry production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLow Maintenance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Once established in a suitable shaded location, Golden King generally requires little pruning or special care.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGolden King Aucuba Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Aucuba japonica 'Golden King'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Golden King Aucuba, Golden King Japanese Laurel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Broadleaf evergreen shrub\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 6-8 feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature Width:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 5-7 feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dense, rounded, upright\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoliage Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dark green heavily splashed and spotted with golden yellow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoliage Texture:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Large, glossy, leathery leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoliage Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Evergreen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Small reddish-purple flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowering Season:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Spring\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Sex:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Male\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Does not normally produce decorative red berries; excellent pollinator for female Aucuba varieties\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Partial shade to full shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 6-9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Low\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear-Round Interest:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Yes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Golden King Aucuba performs best in partial shade to full shade. A protected location with morning sun or filtered light is ideal. Avoid prolonged exposure to intense afternoon sun, particularly in hot climates, because excessive sunlight can scorch the broad evergreen foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Golden King adapts to a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided excessive standing water is avoided.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShade Performance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Aucuba is one of the most dependable broadleaf evergreens for difficult shaded locations. Golden King can add bright foliage color beneath tree canopies, on the north side of buildings, and in woodland-style gardens.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Water regularly while the plant becomes established. Mature Aucuba can tolerate some dry shade, although occasional deep watering during prolonged drought helps maintain healthy foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProtected Locations:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Although durable, the large evergreen leaves look their best when protected from harsh drying winds and intense reflected heat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Instructions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Water deeply after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the establishment period. Once established, water during extended dry periods while avoiding constantly saturated soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Apply a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer in early spring if additional growth is desired. Plants growing in rich garden soil may require very little supplemental fertilizer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Golden King can be allowed to develop naturally or lightly pruned to control its size. Prune individual stems with hand pruners rather than shearing across the large leaves for the most natural appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMulching:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Apply approximately 2-3 inches of mulch over the root zone to help conserve moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch slightly away from the main stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun Protection:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Protect from intense afternoon sunlight, particularly in warmer climates. Too much direct sun can cause foliage scorch and reduce the plant's attractive appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLandscaping Uses\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShade Gardens:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Golden King is an excellent choice for bringing bright evergreen color into areas receiving limited direct sunlight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoundation Plantings:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Use along shaded sides of homes, beneath windows, or around covered entrances where its bold foliage provides year-round interest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWoodland Gardens:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Plant beneath high tree canopies with ferns, hostas, hellebores, mahonia, and other shade-loving plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvergreen Screens:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Its larger mature size and dense foliage make Golden King useful for informal screening in shaded locations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMixed Shrub Borders:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pair with camellias, azaleas, gardenias, hydrangeas, and other broadleaf evergreens for layered shade-garden interest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccent Plantings:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The heavy gold variegation makes Golden King an excellent focal point against dark green evergreen plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePollinator for Female Aucuba:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Plant near compatible female Aucuba varieties when red berry production is desired on the female plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge Containers:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Young plants can also be used in substantial containers on shaded patios, porches, and protected entryways.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow large does Golden King Aucuba get?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGolden King typically reaches approximately 6-8 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide when mature, although final size varies with climate and growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoes Golden King Aucuba stay evergreen?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Golden King is a broadleaf evergreen and retains its colorful foliage throughout the year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Golden King Aucuba grow in full shade?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. It performs very well in partial shade to full shade and is an excellent choice for difficult shaded landscape areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Golden King Aucuba grow in full sun?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrong full sun is generally not recommended, especially in warm climates. Intense afternoon sunlight can scorch the leaves. Partial or full shade normally produces the best foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat color is Golden King Aucuba?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts large glossy leaves are dark green with heavy golden-yellow splashes, spots, and irregular variegation. Golden King is known for having especially bold gold coloration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoes Golden King Aucuba produce red berries?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGolden King is generally classified as a male cultivar, so it does not normally produce the ornamental red berries associated with female Aucuba plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat is the benefit of Golden King being a male Aucuba?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts flowers provide pollen for compatible female Aucuba varieties. Planting Golden King near female cultivars can help those plants produce their attractive red berries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow far apart should I plant Golden King Aucuba?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow approximately 5-6 feet between plants when you want individual shrubs to develop naturally. Closer spacing can be used for an informal evergreen screen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Golden King Aucuba grow beneath trees?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Its exceptional shade tolerance makes it particularly useful beneath established trees, although supplemental water may be necessary while plants become established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoes Golden King Aucuba require much pruning?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo. It naturally forms a dense rounded shrub and generally needs only occasional pruning to remove damaged growth or maintain the desired size.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs Golden King Aucuba easy to grow?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Its shade tolerance, evergreen foliage, adaptable nature, and relatively low maintenance requirements make Golden King an excellent choice for challenging shaded landscapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TreesAndPlants.com","offers":[{"title":"3-Gallon","offer_id":67902098899159,"sku":"0272","price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0771\/5592\/6231\/files\/VariegatedShrubinaSunnyGarden.png?v=1793127880","url":"https:\/\/www.treesandplants.com\/products\/aucuba-golden-king","provider":"Trees and Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}