Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba, also known as Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike’, is a popular choice for gardeners who are looking for a deer-resistant plant. Deer tend to avoid feeding on Aucuba plants due to their bitter taste and tough, leathery foliage. This makes Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba a great option for those who live in areas with high deer populations.
In terms of maintenance needs, Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba is considered to be a low-maintenance plant. It is generally recommended to water the plant weekly, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. This can be achieved by providing a deep watering rather than frequent shallow waterings.
When it comes to sunlight exposure, it is important to note that young Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba plants should be kept out of direct sun. Exposing young plants to direct sunlight can cause the leaves to develop black spots. To prevent this, it is advisable to provide some shade or partial sun for young plants until they are more established and can tolerate direct sunlight.
I have personally grown Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba in my own garden and have found it to be quite resilient and deer-resistant. Despite having a high deer population in my area, I have not experienced any issues with deer feeding on my Aucuba plants. This has been a relief as I have had many other plants fall victim to deer browsing.
To summarize the main points:
1. Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba is considered to be deer-resistant due to its bitter taste and tough foliage.
2. It is a low-maintenance plant, requiring weekly watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
3. Young plants should be kept out of direct sun to avoid developing black spots on the leaves.
4. Personal experience has shown that Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba is indeed deer-resistant.
If you are looking for a deer-resistant plant that requires minimal maintenance, Mr. Goldstrike Aucuba is an excellent choice. Its resistance to deer browsing, combined with its low-maintenance needs, make it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.
