Aucuba, Gold Dust

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-9 where this shrub is best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Plants need significant amounts of shade in hot summer climates (young leaves will often burn in full sun). Established plants have very good drought tolerance. Plants tolerate average to nutritionally poor soils. Plants also tolerate most city air pollutants. Avoid overly moist to wet soils. Site in locations protected from strong winds, particularly near the northern edge of the growing range. Plants will generally tolerate temperatures to -5 degrees F., which means they may survive in some Zone 6 plantings particularly in sheltered locations. Easily propagated by cuttings or from seed. Take cuttings from both male and female plants (plants are dioecious), and label them by sex in order to ensure that the female plants in a new planting will be pollinated by a nearby male for purposes of bearing fruit.