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Description
Aucuba Japonica Picturata, also known as Gold Dust Plant, is a beautiful evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Garryaceae. It is native to Japan and has been popular as an ornamental plant for many years. The plant grows up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, and has large, glossy leaves that are green with splashes of bright yellow. In the spring, the plant produces small, reddish-purple flowers that are followed by bright red berries in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Garryales |
| Family | Garryaceae |
| Genus | Aucuba |
Appearance
The Aucuba Japonica Picturata plant has large, glossy, green leaves that are heavily speckled with bright yellow spots. The leaves are ovate, elliptical, or lanceolate in shape and measure up to 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. The plant grows up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, and has a dense, bushy habit. In the spring, the plant produces small, reddish-purple flowers that are not very showy, but are followed by bright red berries in the fall that add a pop of color to the landscape.
Care Guide
The Aucuba Japonica Picturata plant is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Be careful not to over-fertilize.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but prefers partial shade in hot climates.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Aucuba Japonica Picturata plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can occasionally be affected by:
- Scale insects: These sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Treat by improving soil drainage and avoiding over-watering.
Habitat
The Aucuba Japonica Picturata plant is native to Japan and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, but can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-10 and can be grown as a shrub or trained as a small tree.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Aucuba Japonica Picturata plant grow in full sun?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but prefers partial shade in hot climates.
Q: How often should I water my Aucuba Japonica Picturata plant?
A: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Aucuba Japonica Picturata plant?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Q: Can the Aucuba Japonica Picturata plant be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it has good drainage and is watered regularly.
Related Plants
- Aucuba Japonica
- Aucuba Japonica Crotonifolia
- Aucuba Japonica Rozannie
- Aucuba Japonica Salicifolia
References
- “Aucuba japonica ‘Picturata’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 9, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d821.
- “Gold Dust Plant – Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’.” Gardening Know How. Accessed August 9, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/gold-dust-plant/gold-dust-plant-variegated-aucuba-japonica.htm.
- “Aucuba japonica.” Plant Finder. Accessed August 9, 2021. https://www.plantfinder.com/plants/aucuba-japonica-2483.
