Chinese Aucuba
Aucuba chinensis
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Aucuba chinensis is the lesser-known Chinese cousin of the familiar gold dust plant, a rare, broad, evergreen shrub for deep shade. The thick, leathery, dark green leaves are coarsely toothed and dusted with scattered yellow flecks, holding their color year round and bringing a glossy, tropical-looking presence to a shaded bed.
Like the Japanese aucuba, this species carries male and female flowers on separate plants, the small purple-maroon spring flowers giving way, on female plants with a male nearby, to glossy red berries. Native to China, undemanding and shade-loving, Aucuba chinensis wants moist, well-drained soil and shelter from hot sun, and asks little once settled.
Use Chinese aucuba in a shaded border, a woodland planting, or a dim courtyard, where the bold evergreen leaves fill space and lift the gloom. A fine choice for the difficult dry-shade and city corners that defeat most shrubs, and a rare alternative to the common gold dust plant. Plant a male and a female together for the red winter berries.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–9
- Sun
- Full Shade, Part Shade
- Soil
- Moist, Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 5–6 Feet · Spread 3–4 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
Small purple-maroon flowers in spring; red berries on female plants
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.