Re: Golden-leaved sport of Aucuba japonica

In a message dated 99-07-06 07:56:12 EDT, you write:

<< Michael Dirr, for shame, does not index the genus  Aucuba in his Hardy 
Trees and Shrubs, an Illustrated Encyclopedia!  What  kind of "encyclopedia" 
would omit aucubas? << 

An encyclopedia of HARDY trees and shrubs, that's what kind.  In Michael 
Dirr's defense, Hardy Trees and Shrubs, an Illustrated Encyclopedia was 
intended for northern gardens.  Dirr plans a future volume for the Southern 
U.S.  Dirr does include Aucuba in his more extensive Manual of Woody 
Landscape Plants,  where he lists it as hardy in Arnold Arboretum zones 7 to 
10. 

Living in zone 7, I have no personal experience with this plant.  But here is 
some information from Michael Dirr that may be of interest.  

Dirr lists a number of cultivars with golden variegation, flecks or edges, 
but not one with a >>uniform yellow hue<<.  

Here's what Dirr says about A. japonica 'Variegata' --
>>The true Gold Dust Plant, introduced ahead of the species in 1783 from 
Japan by John Graeffer; this is a yellow-flecked form and is female; there 
are numerous variegated types -- some are stable and others revert back to 
the green condition of the species.<< 

and the other yellows:
A. j. 'Crotonifolia' -- leaves finely speckled with yellow
'Maculata' -- blotched yellowish white
'Mr. Goldstrike' - heavily splashed with bold gold markings
'Picturata' -- distinct solid yellow blotch in their middle surrounded by 
smaller
                   yellow flecks
'Sulphur' - golden yellow edges with dark green centers

As you can see, a couple of these are all yellow, but they are not of uniform 
hue.  
You plant is probably just reverting back to yellow in it's lineage. 

If you do decide to cut away the green stems, I would not be concerned about 
the plant surviving with all yellow foliage.  You might also consider stem 
cuttings to propagate the plant.  Dirr says they root easily about any time 
of year.  He says the cuttings should be firm and he uses 3000 ppm IBA quick 
dip.  

--Janis

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