{"product_id":"marmorata-japanese-laurel-gold-dust-plant","title":"Marmorata Japanese Laurel (Gold Dust Plant)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarmorata Japanese Laurel - Gold Dust Evergreen Shade Shrub\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBring bold year-round color to shady areas with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarmorata Japanese Laurel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, also commonly known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGold Dust Plant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This eye-catching broadleaf evergreen features large, glossy dark green leaves dramatically splashed, spotted, and marbled with golden yellow, giving the foliage a bright, almost painted appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarmorata is one of the most heavily variegated forms of Japanese Aucuba and provides exceptional color in shaded landscapes where many flowering and colorful shrubs struggle to perform. Its dense, upright-rounded growth habit makes it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, woodland gardens, shaded borders, evergreen screens, containers, and accent plantings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarmorata is also a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003efemale Aucuba cultivar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. When a compatible male Aucuba is growing nearby, mature plants can produce clusters of bright red berries that add additional fall and winter interest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy You'll Love Marmorata Japanese Laurel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBold Gold-Dust Foliage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Glossy green leaves are heavily splashed and speckled with golden yellow for dramatic year-round color.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent for Shade:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Performs beautifully in partial shade to full shade, making it an outstanding choice for difficult low-light areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvergreen Year-Round Interest:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Broad, leathery foliage remains attractive throughout the seasons and adds structure to winter landscapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduces Red Berries:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e As a female cultivar, Marmorata can develop bright red fruit when pollinated by a compatible male Aucuba nearby.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLush Tropical Appearance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Large glossy leaves give shaded landscapes a bold, almost tropical texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLow-Maintenance Shrub:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Once established in an appropriate shaded location, Marmorata 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\u003eMarmorata Japanese Laurel 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 'Marmorata'\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 Marmorata Japanese Laurel, Marmorata Aucuba, Gold Dust Plant, Japanese Aucuba\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 4-6 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 3-5 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, upright, rounded\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 purple to reddish-purple flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBloom 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 Female\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 Bright red berries when properly pollinated\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 Marmorata Japanese Laurel performs best in partial shade to full shade. Morning sun or filtered light is generally well tolerated, but strong afternoon sunlight should be avoided in warmer climates.\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 heavily shaded landscape areas. Marmorata is especially useful beneath mature trees, along shaded foundations, and on the north or east side of buildings.\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. Marmorata adapts to clay, loam, sandy soils, and soils rich in organic matter as long as excessive standing water is avoided.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Water regularly after planting while the root system becomes established. Mature plants tolerate occasional dry periods, although supplemental water during prolonged drought helps maintain healthy foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun and Wind Protection:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Protect the plant from intense afternoon sun and strong drying winds, both of which can damage the broad evergreen leaves.\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 immediately after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the establishment period. Once established, allow the upper portion of the soil to begin drying between waterings.\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 garden soil may require very little supplemental feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Marmorata naturally develops a dense, attractive shrub and generally requires minimal pruning. Remove damaged or unwanted stems in late winter or early spring. Hand pruning is preferable to shearing because it preserves the appearance of the large leaves.\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, regulate 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\u003eBerry Production:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e For berries to develop, a compatible male Aucuba must flower nearby at approximately the same time. Plants grown without a male pollinator should still provide the same attractive evergreen foliage but may not produce fruit.\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 Marmorata is an excellent choice for adding bright evergreen color to areas with limited 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, and around covered entryways for year-round foliage 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 mature 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 dense growth habit makes Marmorata useful for informal screening in shaded or partially shaded locations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccent Plantings:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The dramatic gold-speckled foliage makes an excellent focal point against dark green evergreens or shaded backgrounds.\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, ferns, and solid-green Aucuba varieties for contrasting texture and color.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContainers:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Young plants perform well in large containers on shaded patios, covered porches, and protected entryways.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinter Interest:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Evergreen foliage combined with potential bright red berries makes Marmorata especially attractive during the colder months.\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 Marmorata Japanese Laurel get?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarmorata typically reaches approximately 4-6 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide, although older plants can become larger under ideal growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs Marmorata Japanese Laurel evergreen?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. It is a broadleaf evergreen that retains its colorful foliage throughout the year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat color is Marmorata Aucuba?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts glossy dark green leaves are heavily splashed, spotted, and marbled with golden yellow, creating the distinctive \"gold dust\" appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Marmorata Aucuba grow in full shade?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Marmorata performs very well in partial shade to full shade and is one of the better evergreen shrubs for difficult shaded areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Marmorata Aucuba grow in full sun?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome direct morning sunlight is generally acceptable, but intense afternoon sun—especially in warm climates—can scorch or blacken young foliage. Partial to full shade is recommended for the best appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoes Marmorata Japanese Laurel produce red berries?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Marmorata is a female cultivar and can produce bright red berries when a compatible male Aucuba is growing nearby for pollination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo I need another Aucuba for berries?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Because Aucuba plants have separate male and female forms, a compatible male plant is needed nearby for Marmorata to reliably produce berries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen does Marmorata Aucuba flower?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall purple to reddish-purple flowers generally appear during spring. The flowers are relatively inconspicuous compared with the colorful foliage and berries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow far apart should I plant Marmorata Aucuba?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow approximately 4-5 feet between plants when you want individual shrubs to develop naturally. Closer spacing can be used for a denser informal screen or mass planting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Marmorata Aucuba grow beneath trees?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Its excellent shade tolerance makes it well suited for planting beneath established tree canopies. Supplemental watering may be needed because mature tree roots compete for moisture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Marmorata Japanese Laurel grow in containers?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Young plants can be grown successfully in large containers positioned in shaded or protected locations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAre the red berries edible?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo. The berries are ornamental and should not be eaten.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs Marmorata Japanese Laurel 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, Marmorata is a durable, relatively low-maintenance evergreen shrub.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TreesAndPlants.com","offers":[{"title":"3-Gallon","offer_id":67902110597335,"sku":"0274","price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0771\/5592\/6231\/files\/VariegatedGoldDustShrubGarden.png?v=1793128509","url":"https:\/\/www.treesandplants.com\/products\/marmorata-japanese-laurel-gold-dust-plant","provider":"Trees and Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}