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Aucuba japonica, Ogon-no-Tsuki

$24.99 USD

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Size 4" Potted Plant 6" Potted Plant

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Hardiness Zone:7, 8, and 9

Sun Exposure:Part Sun, Mostly Shade and Shade

Aucuba japonica ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ (Gold Moon Aucuba)

Meet a shade star with a golden glow. Aucuba japonica ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ is an evergreen shrub with bold, glossy leaves and a bright “moon” of yellow in the center of each leaf. The name means “Gold of the Moon.” You see it at once. The variegation looks like moonlight on deep green. It is simple. It is striking. And it is easy.

Below, we’ll walk through what makes this plant special, how to grow it, and smart ways to use it in your space. In other words, we’ll help you plant it once and enjoy it for years.

Why We Love ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’

This aucuba shines where many plants struggle. It thrives in shade. It laughs at dry spots once it settles in. It keeps its leaves through winter. Most of all, it brightens dark corners with color and calm. You get year-round structure, gentle light, and very little fuss.

Evergreen, so you have color in every season
Big, glossy leaves with a bold yellow “moon”
Grows well in shade to deep shade
Handles urban life, patios, and porches
Low care once established

Instead of fighting the sun, we lean into the shade. That is where this plant wins.

The Look: Moonlit Leaves You Can’t Miss

‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ has thick, leathery leaves. Each leaf is deep green with an oval or round splash of golden yellow near the center. This patch looks like a full moon in a dark sky. The leaves are large and lush, so the effect is clear even from a distance.

New growth is bright and fresh. Mature leaves turn a rich, dark green. The yellow holds all year. In winter, the gold seems even warmer.

Size and Growth Habit

This cultivar grows with a neat, rounded shape.

Mature height: about 4–6 feet
Mature width: about 3–5 feet
Habit: dense, bushy, and upright

Growth is steady, not fast. After more than the first season, it settles into a calm pace. You can keep it smaller with a light trim after winter. It also takes well to shaping in a container.

Light, Water, and Soil

Think forest edge. Cool, even light. Leaf litter under foot. That is the feel this plant likes.

Light: Shade to part shade. Morning sun is fine. Midday or hot afternoon sun can scorch leaves. In very bright sites, give it dappled shade.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist the first year. After roots spread, water during long dry spells. It has good tolerance for dry shade once established.
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil is best. Add compost when planting. Aucuba handles a range of pH, from slightly acidic to neutral.
Mulch: A 2–3 inch layer keeps roots cool and holds moisture. Keep mulch a few inches off the stems.

Instead of heavy, frequent watering, give deep soaks and let the top inch of soil dry between drinks.

Cold Hardiness and Heat Tolerance

‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. In zone 7, choose a spot out of winter wind. Near the northern edge of its range, a wall or fence that blocks wind helps a lot. In warmer zones, it enjoys shade and regular moisture to ride out summer heat.

If you garden north of zone 7, use it as a container plant and move it to a protected spot for the coldest months. A bright, cool porch or sunroom works well.

Flowers and Berries (Pollination Notes)

Aucuba plants are dioecious, which means there are male and female plants. ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ is prized for foliage, so we focus on leaves. If you want red berries in fall and winter, you will need a male aucuba nearby to pollinate a female. Space them within 20–30 feet for best results. If berries are not a must, a single plant is perfect.

Landscape Uses We Recommend

Use ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ wherever you need light in the shade.

Shade anchor: Set one near a porch, entry, or path. It draws the eye and calms the space.
Foundation planting: Tuck along the north or east side of your home where sun is soft.
Woodland edge: Blend with ferns, hellebores, and hostas for layers of texture.
Courtyard star: One large container on a patio adds year-round presence.
Screen or backdrop: Plant a row 3–4 feet apart for a low, evergreen screen in shade.

Instead of a plain, dark corner, you get a steady glow. Even one plant can change the mood.

Companion Plants That Play Well

We like pairings that echo the gold or deepen the green.

Ferns (autumn fern, Japanese painted fern) for feathery contrast
Hellebores for late winter flowers under the leaves
Hostas with broad, blue or gold leaves for rhythm and scale
Heuchera in chartreuse or burgundy to pick up the moon-gold or frame it
Carex (sedge) for soft edges at the front of the bed
Camellias or Mahonia behind it for layered evergreen structure

But most of all, pick partners that enjoy the same light and moisture. Harmony makes care easy.

Container Culture Made Simple

‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ is a natural for pots in shade.

Choose a container with drainage, 16–20 inches wide.
Use high-quality potting mix with pine bark for air flow.
Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot.
Water to settle, then water when the top inch is dry.
Feed lightly in spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.
Rotate the pot a quarter turn each month for even growth.

In cold snaps near its limit, wheel the pot against a wall or into a garage for the night. Easy.

Planting Guide (Ground)

When to plant: Spring or early fall are best.

How to plant:

Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball and just as deep.
Loosen the roots, especially if circling, and set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with native soil mixed with compost (about 70/30).
Water well to remove air pockets.
Mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch off the stems.
Water weekly the first season, more often in heat.

Pruning: After winter, clip out any tips nipped by cold. Light shaping keeps it tidy. Avoid hard pruning in late summer so new growth hardens before frost.

Care Calendar at a Glance

Spring: Check for winter damage. Light trim. Feed lightly. Refresh mulch.
Summer: Deep water during long dry spells. Watch for scorch if light increases.
Fall: Plant new shrubs. Add compost top-dress.
Winter: In cold snaps, shield from wind. Container plants move to shelter if needed.

Instead of many chores, think “check, trim, water, enjoy.” That is the rhythm.

Common Questions (Quick Answers)

Will it take sun?
Morning sun is fine. Midday and hot afternoon sun may burn leaves. Give shade.

Is it drought-tolerant?
Yes, after the first year. Water to establish, then water in long dry spells.

Do I need two plants for berries?
Only if you want red berries. You need a male and a female for fruit. For foliage alone, one plant is great.

Will deer eat it?
Aucuba is often passed by, but pressure varies. Protect young plants until they are woody.

Can I grow it indoors?
You can overwinter a potted plant in a cool, bright room. Avoid hot, dry air from vents.

Smart Design Tips

Place it where you can see the gold leaves from inside during winter.
Use dark mulch or river rock to make the leaf “moons” pop.
Repeat in odd numbers (1, 3, 5) to lead the eye along a path or bed.
Pair with a chartreuse heuchera at the base for a soft “glow on glow” look.
At entries, flank the door with two potted plants for balance and welcome.

After more than one season, you’ll see how it sets the tone for the whole space.

Our Plant Quality Promise

We select sturdy, well-rooted Aucuba japonica ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ with rich color and strong structure. We grow and ship with care so your shrub arrives healthy and ready to plant. If you’re planting in a tough site—like dry shade under a tree—this is exactly the kind of plant that makes life easier for you and more beautiful for your garden.

How We Recommend Ordering

Pick your size: Choose the container size that fits your plan (beds vs. pots).
Plan the spacing: 3–4 feet apart for a low screen; 4–5 feet for informal groupings.
Add companions: Ferns, hellebores, and hostas make instant, easy harmony.
Stock soil boosters: Compost and mulch help it settle in fast.

Instead of guessing later, gather what you need now. Plant day will be smooth.

Care Summary (Print-Friendly)

Light: Shade to part shade
Height/Spread: 4–6 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide
Water: Even moisture first year; then drought-tolerant with help in long dry periods
Soil: Rich, well-drained; add compost
Hardiness: USDA 7–10
Pruning: Light shaping after winter
Special: Dioecious; berries need male + female

Your Shade, Transformed

We all have that dim spot that needs life. ‘Ogon-no-Tsuki’ gives it in one simple step: evergreen structure, bold texture, and a friendly moon-gold glow you can see from the porch, the path, or the kitchen window. Plant it once. Enjoy it every day. That is the calm beauty of this shrub—and why we love sharing it with you.

Bright Nights, Easy Days

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