Aralia cordata 'Sun King'

Golden Aralia, Sun King Spikenard

Deciduous Perennial

Aralia 'Sun King', also known as Japanese spikenard or golden Japanese spikenard, is a standout herbaceous perennial that brings bold, golden foliage to the shade garden. This striking plant can reach up to 6 feet tall and wide, with large, compound leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long. In mid-spring, the leaves emerge a bright gold, and with a few hours of sun each day, they maintain their vibrant hue through summer. In deeper shade, the leaves soften to chartreuse or lime green. Summer brings 2-foot spikes of tiny white flowers, followed by deep reddish-purple to purplish-black berries in the fall—perfect for attracting birds. Thriving in part shade to shade, 'Sun King' is as low-maintenance as it is beautiful.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Filtered Sun, Open Shade

Water Needs: Average

Soil: Acidic, Clay, Well-drained

Description

Size: 36 - 48 tall x 36 - 72 wide
Shape / Form: Rounded
Foliage Texture: Bold
Foliage Quality: Bold

Features: Attractive Foliage, Attracts Birds, Low Maintenance

Foliage Color: Gold, Yellow, Yellow / Gold
Fall Color: Yellow, Yellow / Gold

Flower Color: Insignificant, White
Bloom Season: Summer

Fruit Description: Bird / Wildlife Forage, Purple, Red

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Beds and Borders, Drama / Focal Point, Food for Foraging Wildlife, Mixed Border
Special Situations: Deer Resistant
Wildlife: Birds, Deer Resistant

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Late Spring / Early Summer, Late Summer / Early Fall, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: mid-plane filler
Collections: PPA Plant of the Year

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low

Suitable Substitutes

Hosta 'Sum & Substance' | Sum and Substance Hosta

Plant Combos