{"product_id":"aucuba-japonica-gold-king-2-litre-pot","title":"Aucuba Japonica Gold King 2 Litre Pot","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAucuba japonica 'Gold King'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a hardy, evergreen shrub that adds year-round interest to U.K. gardens. Known for its large, glossy green leaves that are speckled with bright golden-yellow markings, this plant brings a striking visual effect to shaded areas and mixed borders.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eKey Features of Aucuba Japonica 'Gold King'\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance\u003c\/strong\u003e: This cultivar is prized for its bold foliage, with broad, leathery leaves that feature splashes of yellow variegation, giving the shrub a vibrant, almost tropical look. The leaves can reach up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length, with a glossy, waxy finish that reflects light beautifully.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/strong\u003e: ‘Gold King’ grows in a dense, rounded form, typically reaching about 1.5-2.5 meters (5-8 feet) in both height and spread. It has an upright, bushy habit, making it suitable for a range of landscaping uses.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers and Berries\u003c\/strong\u003e: In spring, Aucuba ‘Gold King’ produces small, dark purple flowers. If both male and female plants are present, it may also produce bright red berries in autumn, which add seasonal interest and attract birds.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003eBenefits of Planting Aucuba Japonica 'Gold King'\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShade Tolerance\u003c\/strong\u003e: ‘Gold King’ thrives in shaded or partially shaded locations, which makes it an excellent choice for areas of the garden with limited sunlight.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: This shrub is resilient and easy to care for. It tolerates a wide range of soil types (as long as the soil is well-draining) and requires minimal pruning, just to maintain shape if desired.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrought-Resistant\u003c\/strong\u003e: Once established, ‘Gold King’ is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for dry, shaded spots that may not support other plants well.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardy in the U.K.\u003c\/strong\u003e: It is well-suited to the U.K. climate, tolerating cold winters and coastal conditions. This makes it a reliable choice for gardens across a range of British regions.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife-Friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e: The autumn berries provide a valuable food source for birds, making ‘Gold King’ a wildlife-friendly choice for any garden.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ol\u003e \u003ch3\u003eCare and Maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocation\u003c\/strong\u003e: Plant in partial shade or full shade for best results. Full sun can sometimes cause leaf scorching.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: ‘Gold King’ is adaptable to most soils but prefers moist, well-draining soil. Adding organic matter when planting can improve soil structure and drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering\u003c\/strong\u003e: Water regularly during the first year to establish a healthy root system. Once established, it will tolerate periods of dryness.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning\u003c\/strong\u003e: Minimal pruning is required. To control size and shape, prune in early spring. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep it looking its best.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e: Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect Plant Combinations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShade-Loving Perennials\u003c\/strong\u003e – Combine with \u003cstrong\u003eFerns, Hostas, or Heuchera\u003c\/strong\u003e for rich texture.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvergreens\u003c\/strong\u003e – Pair with \u003cstrong\u003eYew (Taxus) or Holly (Ilex)\u003c\/strong\u003e for a structured, year-round display.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering Shrubs\u003c\/strong\u003e – Enhance with \u003cstrong\u003eCamellia or Hydrangea\u003c\/strong\u003e for seasonal colour contrast.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGroundcovers\u003c\/strong\u003e – Plant alongside \u003cstrong\u003ePachysandra or Vinca minor\u003c\/strong\u003e for a full, layered effect.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003eUses in Landscaping\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoundation Planting\u003c\/strong\u003e: It can be planted near walls or buildings where shade might limit other plants’ success.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHedging or Screening\u003c\/strong\u003e: Its dense growth makes ‘Gold King’ suitable as a low-maintenance, informal hedge or screen.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMixed Borders\u003c\/strong\u003e: The bright foliage adds a dramatic contrast to other plants, especially darker or finer-leaved shrubs.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53654741418310,"sku":"163561","price":6.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/7948\/8326\/files\/04e6d20f-047d-48e8-9e19-d3d247b7d3d4.jpg?v=1740562647","url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/aucuba-japonica-gold-king-2-litre-pot","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}