The Aucuba Japonica Crotonifolia, widely known as the Spotted Laurel or Gold Dust Plant, is a beautifully variegated evergreen shrub celebrated for its bold, gold-spotted foliage. With large, glossy dark green leaves generously flecked with golden-yellow markings, this striking shrub brings year-round colour and structural interest to borders, patios, woodland gardens and shady corners alike.

Growing Conditions

This hardy shade-loving shrub is one of the finest evergreen plants for shade, thriving effortlessly in north-facing gardens and shady borders. It performs superbly where many other garden shrubs struggle. The Aucuba Crotonifolia is remarkably wind tolerant, pollution tolerant and drought tolerant once established, making it an outstanding choice for coastal gardens and exposed urban landscapes.

Planting and Care

This easy-care garden shrub flourishes in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. An exceptionally low-maintenance evergreen, it requires only occasional pruning to maintain shape. Equally impressive as a hedging plant, specimen shrub, border plant, container plant for patios and pots, or as a structural evergreen in a woodland garden setting. Deer resistant, compact and hardy through winter, this ornamental shrub delivers all-year-round interest with minimal effort.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia'


• Common Names: Spotted Laurel, Japanese Laurel, Gold Dust Plant


• Classification: Evergreen Shrub


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 2–3 m × 2–3 m (can be kept smaller with regular pruning)


• Growth Habit: Bushy, Rounded Evergreen Shrub


• Perfect For: Shady Borders, Woodland Gardens, Hedging, Containers, North-Facing Gardens


• Flowering Time: Spring (small purple-red flowers)


• Berry Season: Autumn to Winter (red berries on female plants when pollinated)


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade


• Soil: Moist, Well-Drained; Tolerates Most Soil Types


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H5)


• Foliage: Large, Glossy Dark Green Leaves with Bold Golden-Yellow Spots


• RHS Award of Garden Merit: Yes

What is Included

Supplied as a healthy Aucuba Japonica Crotonifolia plant, grown in a 2 litre pot, outdoor garden ready.

Notes: This is the Crotonifolia variety, recognised for its particularly generous and striking gold variegation.