Golden Japanese Spikenard 'Sun King'

Aralia cordata 'Sun King', also known as Japanese Spikenard, is a rhizomatous perennial that stands out for its spectacular foliage. Its large, compound leaves, in a bright golden yellow, evoke a tropical ambiance and bring exceptional brightness to shaded areas. In late summer, delicate white flowers appear, followed by decorative black berries.

Key Features:

• Shape: Upright and rounded clump, with thick and sturdy stems.
• Flowers: Small white flowers in feathery panicles, appearing in late summer and attracting pollinators.
• Foliage: Large, compound leaves, bright golden yellow, deeply cut, providing a lush texture.
• Mature size: 1 to 1.5 meters tall and wide.
• Hardiness: Zone 4 to 9, very cold hardy.

Where to Plant and Use:

Aralia 'Sun King' is an ideal plant for shaded or partially shaded gardens. It brings a touch of light and exoticism to undergrowth, edges of beds, and shady corners of the garden. It can also be grown in pots to decorate terraces and patios.

• Ideal location: Partial shade to full shade. Avoid direct sun, which can burn the foliage.
• Soil: Prefers rich, cool, and well-drained soil.
• Uses:
  • Shaded beds and borders
  • Undergrowth and woodland gardens
  • Container gardening for terraces and patios

Growing Tips:

• Planting: Plant in spring or fall, in well-prepared and amended soil. Space plants 60 to 90 cm apart.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first year after planting, then only during dry periods.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote growth.
• Pruning: Not necessary, except to remove dead or damaged stems.
• Winter protection: Mulch the base of the plant in winter in colder regions.