Aralia cordata 'Sun King'

Also Known As

Sun King Spikenard

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-6'
W: 3'-6'

planting zones

4a-9b

More Options

Aralia cordata 'Sun King' plant details

Aralia cordata 'Sun King' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous perennial with chartreuse and gold foliage. In summer white flowers emerge followed by black and purple fruit. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aralia cordata 'Sun King'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: araliaceae
Foliage: deciduous chartreuse and gold
Mature size: 3 FT - 6 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, red stems, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aralia cordata 'Sun King'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Aralia 'Sun King' is a striking tropical-looking yet extremely hardy perennial with large and lush compound leaves held on red stems. In shadier conditions the foliage will be pale green. In sun choose a location with good moisture where the leaves will be golden yellow. Tiny white flowers appear in summer and produce black berries in fall. Deer resistant.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

This brilliant, bold, 3-6' accent for semi- shade has magnificent compound fern-like foliage that is a beautiful, glowing luminous-gold. This is a fast growing clumper with spikes of bright-white flowers which become decorative red to purple to black fruit (much loved by birds) which add to its already bright picture. Keeps its sunny color all season unless planted in too dense of shade. PSh-Sh/M/GDr

By: Forestfarm

Hardy selection makes a dramatic impression in any shade garden. Big, golden leaves with clusters of white flowers that produce decorative purple berries in late summer. Growth Rate fast

By: Garden World

Tropical golden foliage adds a bright and bold statement to shaded gardens. While it takes some time to establish and reach full size, it's worth the wait. White flowers in summer are followed by black clusters of fruit. Make this the show-piece of your garden!

By: Botanophilia

Impossible to say enough good things about this spectacular plant introduced by the great Barry Yinger. Incredibly bright yellow-green foliage on a massive clump eventually reaching as high as 6 feet. If you need drama in your shade garden (and really, who doesn't?), you need this plant.- Joseph.....Zone 4

By: Arrowhead Alpines

The foliage is golden, often on red stems, and dazzling on this big and bold perennial, quickly to 3 ft tall and wide, first discovered in a department store in Japan by nurseryman Barry Yinger. Spikes of aralia type white flowers in summer are followed by purple-black berries. Lovely in a woodland, planted in front of darker foliage, say broad-leaved evergreens, or under planted with such lovelies as black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'). Enjoys consistently moist soil and a bit of shade at least in the hottest climates. Frost hardy to USDA zone 4.

By: Cistus Nursery

Blooms: summer, white flowers, black fruit in fall/ large yellow-lime green foliage, herbaceous, deciduous Zone 4-9. 6', japan, shade-part sun, moist, well drained

By: Keeping it Green Nursery

Here's a must have plant for anyone who is looking for a bold foliar presence that isn't in the form of Hosta. Aralia 'Sun King' forms a 3' x 3' plant with brilliant gold compound leaves. When grown in partial shade (just a few hours of direct sun) the foliage holds its strong yellow coloring through the season. In late summer 2' tall spikes bearing umbels of tiny white flowers add floral interest, which then bear shiny black fruit.

By: Avant Gardens

With leaves that are as big and bold as the sun, this beautiful gold form of Aralia makes an outstanding accent in the shade or part shade. Fast growing and deciduous. Small clusters of white, satellite-like flowers in late summer followed by decorative purple berries. Containers or landscape.