There Are Black Leaves on My Aucuba Shrub

Aucuba japonica -- the gold-dust plant -- is an evergreen shrub happiest in partial to full shade. A landscape plant in mild winter climates, it grows in containers elsewhere. Black areas on aucuba's normally yellow-flecked, glossy green leaves are a sign of trouble.

Foxglove aphids (Aulacorthum solani) are tiny, green insects that infest aucuba and suck its stem and leaf juices. They also secrete sticky waste called honeydew. Honeydew attracts the sooty mold fungus. It covers the plants' leaves with a black, powdery mold.

Controlling aphids will control sooty mold. Remove the insects, honeydew and black mold with a strong spray of water. Washing the plants early in the day lets them dry quickly and reduces their risk of other fungal infestations.

As shade-loving plants, aucubas often develop black foliage when they receive too much sun. Sunburn appears as brown or black leaf blotches. Damage is heaviest on plants in dry soil and bright afternoon sun.

Prune the damaged leaves. Transplant the aucuba shrubs -- or move the container plants -- to shady areas. Keep their soil moist.