Almanac Planting Co: Aralia (Aralia cordata 'Sun King') in a black pot, placed on a stone step in a shaded garden. The bright golden-green foliage of this shade-loving perennial adds a vibrant touch to any landscape, perfect for creating contrast in shaded garden areas.

Almanac Planting Sun King (Japanese Spikenard) Aralia cordata in Flower with a moth

Almanac Planting Sun King (Japanese Spikenard) Aralia cordata

Aralia Sun King (Japanese Spikenard)

Regular Price: $44.95

Sale Price: $44.95
Regular Price

Sold Out

Unit Price: per

Quantity

SHIPPING RESTRICTION: In order for us to protect the environment and comply with regulations, we're unable to ship this product to the following state: OR

Aralia cordata

Overview

Uses: Fast growing anchor plant for shaded areas.

Benefits: 2020 Perennial Plant Association's Plant of the Year! Attracts pollinators! Deer resistant.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9

Sun: Partial Shade to Shade

Life Cycle: Perennial

Mature Height: 48"

Mature Width: 48"

Bloom Season: Summer

Summary

Aralia cordata 'Sun King', commonly known as Japanese Spikenard, was named the 2020 Perennial Plant Association's Plant of the Year for good reason.

They're perfect for shaded areas and areas that receive partial shade. It's not suggested to keep them in areas that get more than 6 hours of full sun a day.

The amount of sun that they receive will directly impact the color of their foliage. Partially shaded areas will typically produce leaves that are yellow in color. Heavily shaded areas will likely yield lime-green leaves. Expect varying shades of chartreuse if your Sun King is getting around 3 hours of full sun a day.

Aralia cordata 'Sun King' grows beautiful 2' tall clusters of small white flowers in the summer that are loved by bees and butterflies alike. The flowers eventually turn into visually attractive, small deep-purple berries that are unable to be ate by people, but provide a very desirable source of food for birds.

Is known to tolerate deer and wet locations.

Care

Japanese Spikenard Care

Aralia cordata 'Sun King' is known to be extremely low maintenance and requires minimum care.

Prune to control growth as necessary. It's best to do any heavy pruning and trimming during periods of dormancy, such as late fall (after flowering) or early spring.

Fertilizations will accelerate growth and keep your plant well fed. We suggest using our slow release fertilizer, or something similar such as a suitable fertilizer stake.

Aralia cordata 'Sun King' should ideally receive no more than 6 hours of full sun a day. It has been known to grow in full sun, but such a situation will likely require regular irrigation to keep its soil moist.

Water regularly after planting until established, or in periods of drought. Is known to tolerate wet soil, although ideal soil is moist, rich, and well draining.

Is known to thrive in a variety of soils, from clay to shale... even acidic soil.

Typically dies back in the winter, and comes back in the spring.

Size

Size of 'Sun King' for Sale Online

The Aralia cordata 'Sun King' that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.

Size of 'Sun King' When Fully Grown

Aralia cordata 'Sun King' typically forms a mound-like shape around 48 inches in height and width, although some variations may occur, with plants ranging from 3 to 6 feet tall.

Additional Information

**Common Names of Aralia cordata 'Sun King'**

Japanese Spikenard
Golden Japanese Spikenard
Japanese Udo

Toxicity and Risks of 'Sun King'

We are unable to find any information that would lead us to believe that Aralia cordata 'Sun King' is toxic. Although its berries are not considered edible, they also aren't considered toxic.

The spring shoots of this plant are sometimes blanched, and eaten as a vegetable. The roots of this plant are sometimes used as a herbal medicine.

Verified Reviews

Secure checkout

Good Vibes

Healthy Plants

An Almanac Planting Co Branded Box Sitting on a Brick Wall Surrounded by Plants with a House Door and Front Porch in the Background

Serenity, Delivered

From Almanac, with care...

We're a small, woman-owned business with a deep focus on product quality and customer satisfaction. Our plants are grown with love and packed with happiness!

Pleased with this purchase!

I found Almanac online when searching for an Aralia Sun King. Easy to order, quick response to a question I submitted and the plant arrived on time. It was in great condition due to their packaging. Have it planted and looking forward to next spring and summer!

Hello Sandra,

Thanks for the fantastic review! We're so glad you found ordering your Aralia Sun King a breeze and that it arrived in tip-top shape . It's exciting to think about how it will transform your garden come next spring and summer!

Cheers to planting a brighter world, and happy gardening!

Thanks again,
Justin

Speedy Shrub Service

I emailed to find out how long it would take to get my shrubs and they said if I ordered before 6:00p it would go out the next day…I did and it arrived the day after it was shipped…each plant nicely wrapped and healthy. They said wait about two days to recover from shipping and I have planted them and they all appear to be doing well. I thought the chatbox with its suggestion for the best fertilizer ratio was also well designed. I’ll use them again.

Thanks for your fantastic review, Seth! We're thrilled to hear that your Aralia Sun King shrubs arrived quickly and in great shape. It's great to know our chatbox suggestions were helpful too! We appreciate your business and the time you took to share your experience. Happy planting, and we look forward to serving you again! ✨

Japanese Spikenard

The plant arrived on schedule, in great condition. Excellent packing! As you instructed, we let it rest for a couple of days. Planted it yesterday, and it's healthy, has a new shoot just starting, seems happy and thriving. Thanks!

Thanks for your review!