ARALIA CORDATA SUN KING / GOLDEN JAPANESE SPIKENARD

ARALIA CORDATA SUN KING / GOLDEN JAPANESE SPIKENARD

A Bold and Beautiful Perennial with Stunning Golden Foliage

Aralia cordata 'Sun King,' commonly known as Golden Japanese Spikenard, is a striking perennial that stands out for its vibrant golden-yellow leaves and large, tropical-like appearance. This low-maintenance plant adds a bold pop of color to shaded or partially shaded areas, making it an excellent choice for brightening up darker corners of your garden.

Why Choose Golden Japanese Spikenard?

• Bold Foliage: The eye-catching golden-yellow leaves of this plant provide a stunning contrast to other plants, especially in shaded or woodland areas.
• Large and Dramatic Size: With its tall stature and large, bold leaves, 'Sun King' creates a tropical effect in the garden, offering both texture and structure.
• Easy Care: Once established, this plant is relatively low-maintenance, thriving in a variety of soils with minimal fuss.
• Attractive in Multiple Seasons: Although it shines brightest in the summer with its bright foliage, the plant also produces small white flowers in late summer to early fall, followed by black berries that attract birds.

Key Features:

• Vibrant Foliage: Sun King is known for its large, golden-yellow leaves that provide an eye-catching contrast in shady gardens, making it an excellent choice for garden beds and borders.
• Tropical Look: The large, palmate leaves give this perennial a tropical vibe, making it ideal for adding drama and texture to the garden.
• White Flowers: Late summer brings small white flowers that add a subtle yet elegant touch to the plant, often followed by dark berries.
• Bird-Friendly: The berries that appear in the fall provide food for birds, adding an ecological benefit to your landscape.
• Disease and Pest Resistant: Aralia cordata is generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it an easy and reliable plant to grow.

Specifications:

• Plant Size: Grows 3–4 feet tall and wide, with large, palm-shaped leaves that spread out, creating a full, bushy appearance.
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9.
• Sunlight: Prefers partial to full shade, though it can tolerate some morning sun.
• Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic to neutral soils.

Ideal Uses:

• Shade Gardens: Its bold foliage makes it an ideal plant for shaded or woodland gardens, providing color and texture where other plants might struggle.
• Mixed Borders: Sun King can be used as a statement piece in mixed borders, bringing warmth and brightness to cooler areas of the garden.
• Container Planting: Its compact size makes it well-suited for container planting, especially in larger pots where its size and texture can be appreciated.
• Wildlife Gardens: The berries attract birds, and the plant is relatively deer-resistant, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

The Aralia cordata 'Sun King' is a standout perennial that adds an exotic, tropical feel to your garden with its stunning golden-yellow foliage. It is perfect for shaded areas, offering a bold contrast to darker spaces while being easy to care for and maintain. Whether used as a specimen plant, in a mixed border, or to attract wildlife, the Golden Japanese Spikenard will make a memorable impact in your landscape.