Spotted laurel (Aucuba japonica 'Mr. Goldstrike')
Aucuba japonica 'Mr. Goldstrike', or Spotted laurel, is a durable, low-maintenance evergreen known for its yellow-blotched foliage and shade tolerance.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’, commonly known as Spotted laurel, brings essential year-round color to shady garden spots where few other broadleaf evergreens thrive. This cultivar is prized for its distinctive leathery leaves heavily splashed with bright yellow variegation against a deep green backdrop, making it a standout specimen plant. As a reliable, low-maintenance shrub, it offers excellent structure and brightness even under dense tree canopies.
The Spotted laurel naturally forms a dense, rounded shape, typically reaching heights between 6 and 10 feet, ideal for hedging or screening purposes in woodland-style gardens. While the tiny early spring flowers are noteworthy, the primary appeal of Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ lies in its foliage stamina and functional resilience throughout most climates. Gardeners appreciate its ability to handle poor soils and urban pollution, contributing reliable texture across the hardiness range of Zones 6 through 9.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Garryaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 6-10 ft
- Spread: 5-9 ft
- Bloom Time: March to April
- Bloom Description: Reddish-purple
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ during the cooler seasons—fall or early spring—to allow the roots to establish before summer heat arrives. This shrub performs best in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils. Locate the shrub where it receives consistent part shade; too much direct, hot afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates, can scorch the developing young leaves of the Spotted laurel.
Once established, the drought tolerance of this evergreen is quite good, though consistent medium watering is required, especially during dry spells or when planted in containers. It tolerates average or nutritionally poor soils, showing a high degree of adaptability. Avoid overly wet or soggy locations, as this increases the risk of root rot. Minimal pruning is usually needed, as Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ naturally maintains an attractive shape.
Protecting the plant from strong, drying winter winds is crucial, particularly at the northern extensions of Zone 6. This particular cultivar, ‘Mr. Goldstrike’, is a male clone, meaning it will not produce the bright red berries common on female plants, simplifying maintenance if fruit display is not desired. Growers should remember that the best gold leaf coloration is achieved when the plant is provided adequate shade protection.
Landscape Uses
The dense habit and striking golden-flecked foliage make Spotted laurel an excellent choice for creating formal hedges that withstand deep shade. Because it holds its leaves all year, Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ functions as a superb evergreen screen, providing privacy and year-round visual structure against bland winter backdrops. Its tolerance for poor soils and air pollution also makes it a reliable choice for foundation plantings near busy streets or beneath mature tree canopies.
Beyond larger applications, the robust nature of this shrub lends itself well to containers, tubs, and large patio planters. When grown in pots, ensure consistent moisture, especially during summer, and supplement with monthly liquid fertilizer. For an interesting indoor display, containers can be quickly moved into cool rooms (ideally 50-65°F) during harsh winters, offering a glimpse of vibrant foliage indoors.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aucuba japonica, commonly called spotted laurel, is a rounded, shade-loving, evergreen shrub in the Garryaceae family. Characterized by coreaceous (leathery), glossy leaves sporting deep green splashed with heavy bright yellow blotching in the ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ cultivar. Tiny reddish-purple flowers bloom in early spring, appearing in upright terminal panicles; this specific plant is a male cultivar, meaning it will not produce fruit.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Heavy Shade
- Erosion
- Clay Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ is generally straightforward to cultivate, but gardeners should monitor for specific issues. Root rot is a primary concern and occurs when planting sites become waterlogged or overly moist, emphasizing the need for well-drained soil. In colder regions near Zone 6 limits, watch for winter dieback caused by extreme cold snaps or exposure to harsh winds. Fungal leaf spot can appear, often managed through improved air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Scale and mealybugs are the most likely insect pests to target the foliage, treatable with horticultural oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Spotted laurel suitable for?
Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9.
How large does Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ grow?
This broadleaf evergreen typically matures to a height between 6 and 10 feet, with a corresponding spread of 5 to 9 feet.
What sun exposure does Spotted laurel need?
This plant thrives best in part shade. Too much direct sun, especially afternoon sun in hot climates, can damage the young foliage.
When does Aucuba japonica need care attention for its blooms?
Tiny, reddish-purple flowers appear in March to April, but this male cultivar will not progress to fruit development.
Conclusion
The Spotted laurel, Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’, remains a cornerstone plant for shaded landscape areas, valued immensely for its unique, vivid gold-splashed evergreen foliage and low commitment care requirements. If you need lasting color and toughness in deep shade, this reliable shrub excels at providing structure and brightness. Before planting, ensure your area falls within USDA Zones 6-9 and provides the necessary part shade protection for optimal leaf quality.
Propagation Tips
The ease of propagation is a significant advantage for gardeners wishing to multiply their stock of Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’. This specific cultivar is readily propagated via softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the growing season, typically mid-spring through early fall. As the genus is dioecious, it is important to take cuttings from a known male plant if you specifically wish to replicate the non-fruiting ‘Mr. Goldstrike’. Rooting hormone can assist, but successful rates are generally high even without it, provided cuttings are kept consistently moist in a humid environment until new roots form.
Companion Planting
Given that most successful placements for Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ involve shady or partially shaded woodland settings, companion plants should share similar cultural needs for moist, rich soil and protection from intense sun. Excellent companions include hostas, which offer contrasting textures and colors; ferns, particularly Japanese Painted Ferns or Autumn Ferns, which thrive under the same dappled light conditions; and evergreen groundcovers like Pachysandra or Vinca minor. Grouping the bright foliage of the Spotted laurel with dark green understory shrubs or deep purple foliage creates dramatic, high-contrast woodland vignettes.
