{"product_id":"dwarf-variegated-aucuba-spotted-laurel","title":"Dwarf Variegated Aucuba (Spotted Laurel)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDwarf Variegated Aucuba - Compact Gold-Dust Evergreen Shade Shrub\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrighten shady areas of your landscape with the bold, colorful foliage of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDwarf Variegated Aucuba\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This compact broadleaf evergreen features glossy dark green leaves covered with distinctive golden-yellow spots and splashes, creating year-round color in areas where many flowering and colorful shrubs struggle to grow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlso known as Dwarf Gold Dust Aucuba or Spotted Laurel, this shade-loving shrub develops a dense, compact growth habit that stays considerably smaller than traditional Aucuba varieties. Its lush foliage and naturally tidy appearance make it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, shaded borders, woodland gardens, containers, mass plantings, and areas beneath trees or along the north and east sides of homes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDwarf Variegated Aucuba is especially valuable for bringing bright foliage contrast to deep green shade gardens while requiring relatively little maintenance once established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy You'll Love Dwarf Variegated Aucuba\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBright Variegated Foliage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Glossy green leaves are splashed and speckled with golden yellow for colorful year-round interest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent for Shade:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Thrives in partial shade to deep shade, making it ideal for areas where many other landscape shrubs struggle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompact Growth Habit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Stays much smaller than standard Aucuba varieties, typically reaching approximately 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvergreen Foliage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Broad, glossy leaves remain attractive throughout the year, providing dependable color and structure during winter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDense, Full Growth:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Naturally develops a compact, leafy habit that works beautifully in foundations, borders, mass plantings, and woodland gardens.\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 the right location, Dwarf Variegated Aucuba requires relatively little pruning or special care.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDwarf Variegated 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 'Variegata Nana'\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 Dwarf Variegated Aucuba, Dwarf Gold Dust Aucuba, Spotted 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 3-4 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 2-3 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 Compact, dense, mounding to 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 with golden-yellow spots and variegation\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 Glossy, leathery broad 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\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 rich in organic matter\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 6-10\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\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Minimal pruning generally required\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 Dwarf Variegated Aucuba performs best in partial shade to deep shade. Protect it from strong afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates, because excessive direct sunlight can scorch or blacken the foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Plant in moist, well-drained soil. Aucuba adapts to clay, sandy, and organically rich soils as long as drainage is adequate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShade Performance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Few evergreen shrubs perform as well in heavily shaded landscapes as Aucuba. It is an excellent choice beneath high tree canopies, along shaded foundations, and on the north or east side of buildings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Water regularly during the establishment period. Once established, Dwarf Variegated Aucuba becomes fairly adaptable, although consistent moisture encourages the healthiest foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProtected Locations:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Plant in an area protected from strong drying winds, which can damage the broad evergreen leaves during winter or periods of dry weather.\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 while the root system becomes established. Avoid allowing the soil to remain continuously saturated.\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 fertile, organically rich soil generally require little supplemental feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dwarf Variegated Aucuba naturally develops a compact habit and usually requires very little pruning. Remove damaged stems or lightly shape the shrub in late winter or early spring if necessary.\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 around the root zone to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperatures, and reduce 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 Avoid planting in locations exposed to intense midday or afternoon sun. Too much direct sunlight can damage the foliage and reduce the rich green coloration.\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 One of the best uses for Dwarf Variegated Aucuba is adding evergreen color to shaded landscape beds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoundation Plantings:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Its compact mature size makes it useful beneath windows and along shaded sides of homes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWoodland Gardens:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The bold, spotted foliage creates beautiful contrast beneath trees and among ferns, hostas, hellebores, and other shade-loving plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMass Plantings:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Plant several together to create a colorful evergreen ground-level mass in larger shaded beds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContainers:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dwarf Variegated Aucuba performs well in large outdoor containers located on shaded porches, patios, and covered entryways.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBorders:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Use along shaded pathways and garden edges where the glossy gold-speckled foliage can provide year-round definition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMixed Evergreen Beds:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pair with camellias, azaleas, gardenias, ferns, hostas, mahonia, and other shade-tolerant plants for layered texture and color.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall Gardens:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Its compact growth habit provides the bold foliage of traditional Aucuba without requiring as much landscape space.\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 Dwarf Variegated Aucuba get?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDwarf Variegated Aucuba typically reaches approximately 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, although mature size can vary somewhat depending on climate and growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoes Dwarf Variegated Aucuba stay evergreen?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. It is a broadleaf evergreen shrub and retains its glossy foliage throughout the year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Dwarf Variegated Aucuba grow in full shade?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Aucuba is exceptionally shade tolerant and performs well in partial shade to deep shade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Dwarf Variegated Aucuba grow in full sun?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull sun is not recommended. Strong direct sunlight, especially hot afternoon sun, can scorch or blacken the foliage. A protected shaded location generally produces the best appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat color is the foliage?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe leaves are dark green with distinctive golden-yellow spots and splashes, giving the plant its popular \"gold dust\" appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoes Dwarf Variegated Aucuba flower?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes, but the flowers are small and relatively inconspicuous. This shrub is primarily grown for its colorful evergreen foliage rather than its flowers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoes Dwarf Variegated Aucuba produce red berries?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAucuba plants are male or female. Female plants can produce attractive red fruits when a compatible male Aucuba is growing nearby for pollination. Fruit production should not be expected when an appropriate pollinator is absent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow far apart should I plant Dwarf Variegated Aucuba?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor individual specimens, space plants approximately 3 feet apart or according to the mature appearance you want. They can be positioned somewhat closer for a denser mass planting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Dwarf Variegated Aucuba grow in containers?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Its compact size and shade tolerance make it an excellent evergreen choice for containers on covered patios, shaded porches, and protected entryways.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs Dwarf Variegated Aucuba easy to care for?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. When planted in shade with well-drained soil and adequate moisture, it is a durable, low-maintenance evergreen that generally requires little pruning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs Aucuba poisonous if eaten?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAucuba contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested. The foliage and especially the fruits should not be eaten.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TreesAndPlants.com","offers":[{"title":"3-Gallon","offer_id":67902093295831,"sku":"0275","price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0771\/5592\/6231\/files\/SpeckledEvergreenShrubbyStoneWall.png?v=1793127493","url":"https:\/\/www.treesandplants.com\/products\/dwarf-variegated-aucuba-spotted-laurel","provider":"Trees and Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}