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Aucuba japonica 'Mr. Goldstrike'
Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba
Japan, southern Korea, southeastern China
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Overview
Aucuba japonica 'Mr. Goldstrike' is a dense, rounded evergreen shrub reaching 5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 m) tall with a spread of 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m). This male cultivar carries heavy gold variegation: glossy, leathery leaves 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long are splashed and speckled with bright gold to yellow markings over a dark green base. The variegation pattern varies from leaf to leaf, with some leaves predominantly gold and others showing smaller scattered flecks. Leaves are opposite, elliptic to oblong, with coarsely toothed margins on the upper half. As a male clone, 'Mr. Goldstrike' produces small purple-brown flower clusters in March–April but does not bear the red berries typical of female Aucuba cultivars; however, it pollinates nearby female plants. Growth rate is moderate at 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) per year. The variegation holds year-round, including through winter in full shade. Direct afternoon sun in hot climates (zones 8–9) causes blackened leaf margins, particularly on the gold-marked portions. Aucuba blackening disease (caused by Phyllosticta fungal infection) can disfigure foliage in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
Native Range
The species Aucuba japonica is native to Japan, southern Korea, and southeastern China. It occurs in the understory of warm-temperate evergreen forests from near sea level to 3,000 feet (900 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Planted in shaded borders, woodland gardens, foundation plantings, and north-facing exposures at 4–6 foot (1.2–1.8 m) spacing. The gold variegation brightens deep shade where few other shrubs maintain color. Functions as a pollinator for female Aucuba cultivars when planted within 30–40 feet (9–12 m). Grows in containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L). Tolerates urban conditions including air pollution and root competition from established trees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height5' - 8'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Small purple-brown flower clusters appear in March–April on terminal panicles 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long. Individual flowers are 0.2 inch (5 mm) across with 4 petals. As a male clone, no fruit develops. Pollen is available for 2–3 weeks and can pollinate female Aucuba cultivars within 30–40 feet (9–12 m).Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green heavily splashed with bright gold to yellowGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in well-drained to average soil in partial to full shade. This cultivar holds variegation in deep shade where most other variegated shrubs lose their markings. Direct afternoon sun in zones 8–9 causes leaf scorch, particularly on the gold-marked tissue. Shelter from desiccating winter wind in zones 6–7. Water consistently during establishment; once established, tolerates moderate drought in shaded sites. Aucuba blackening disease causes dark blotches on foliage in humid, poorly ventilated conditions; improving air circulation and removing affected leaves reduces spread. Scale insects may colonize stems. No routine fertilization is required in woodland soils.Pruning
Prune in spring after flowering to shape the shrub and control size. Tolerates hard renovation pruning to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) above ground in early spring; regrowth emerges from old wood within 6–8 weeks. Remove any all-green reverted shoots promptly, as reverted growth is more vigorous than variegated growth and can dominate the plant within 2–3 seasons. Thin interior branches to improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons