The leaves are glossy and elliptical with coarse marginal teeth on the upper half of each leaf.
It generally grows to be ten feet tall.
It prefers to grow in partial shade and needs to be protected from the bright afternoon sunlight.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
During the winter months, sunlight can scorch and blacken the leaves.
Soil
Gold dust plants grow best in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils.
However, they can tolerate average to nutritionally poor soils, evenclay soil.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Mature shrubs will only need to be watered once every few weeks but more often in drought-like conditions.
In containers that have been placed outdoors for the summer, keep the soil consistently moist.
Feed gold dust plants using either a slow-release orwater-soluble fertilizerin the early spring when the plant begins to bloom.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
Potting and Repotting
When potting a gold dust plant, choose a container with adequate drainage holes.
When repotting, use high-quality potting soil that offers good drainage.
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Cut back on watering in the winter months; allow the soil to dry between waterings.
They can also attract insects such as nematodes and mealybugs.
If the plant is in a container, try repotting it in a different container with better drainage.
If it is outside, try watering it less often or moving it to a shadier location.
Aucuba japonica.North Carolina State Extension Plant Finder
