Spotted Laurel

About this plant

Aucuba japonica 'Mr. Goldstrike', commonly known as Spotted Laurel, is an exceptional evergreen shrub celebrated for its striking, glossy green leaves heavily variegated with brilliant gold speckles. This cultivar offers a unique visual appeal, brightening shaded areas with its cheerful, year-round color. Its dense, upright growth habit makes it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, hedges, or as a vibrant specimen in a woodland garden. Beyond its dazzling appearance, 'Mr. Goldstrike' is remarkably tough and adaptable. It tolerates a range of soil conditions once established and exhibits excellent resistance to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance gem for busy gardeners. While it can produce small, deep red berries in fall if pollinated, its primary appeal lies in its extraordinary foliage. Ideal for creating a sophisticated and enduring landscape, this Spotted Laurel provides architectural interest and a consistent splash of color through all four seasons, ensuring your garden remains 'A Cut Above'.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, consistently moist, well-drained soils. Prefers partial to full shade; direct afternoon sun can scorch leaves. Protect from strong winds. Prune in spring to maintain shape or remove damaged branches. Generally pest and disease free.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.