A deciduous perennial from Japan, Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’ is a must have foliage plant for shaded moist positions.
This is a golden lime green leafed form of the species, with the species being known as Japanese spikenard. This is a plant from Japan where it grows in shaded areas or forest clearings.
New foliage has a golden yellow colour, as the season progresses, iIn shade the foliage turns to more more of lime green with a little yellow, so chartreuse, with a little sun the foliage turns more to yellow.
This is a clump forming plant, grow to around 1m in height with a similar spread, over time it will spread to a wider clump and actual height will vary a little according to to soil and the amount of sun.
Like all Aralias, the flowers in late summer are racemes of small white flowers, is sun they will attract bees, in shade, not so much.
It prefers a humus rich well drained soil and is probably best grown in dappled shade in all but the cooler zones.
In Japan the young shoots are regarded as a bit of a delicacy, said to taste a little like asparagus, hence other common names of Mountain Asparagus and Udo.
Flowers are small and white appearing in summer and these attract nectar seeking birds and bees to the garden.
How to Grow Aralia cordata ’Sun King’
‘Sun King’ however is grown for the foliage which adds a highlight to shaded areas of the garden. For best foliage colour avoid deep shade, dappled shade is best.
- Plant in a position in light shade.
- A compost and some aged cow manure to the soil before plating.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the plant to suppress weeds and maintain a moist root run.
- Fertilise each spring with a general purpose organic fertiliser.
Where to grow Aralia cordata ’Sun King’
An excellent foliage plant for a shaded border as a background plant, or closer to the front as a bright coloured feature.
Propagation
Propagation is easy from cuttings as well by division.
- For cuttings use a propagation mix, take the cuttings in summer when new growth has hardened off a little.
- Tip cuttings are best aim for around 6 inches (15cm) in length.
- Use a hormone rooting liquid or powder to improve strike rate.
- Cuttings should be kept mist sprayed and are best under a cloche or plastic bag to maintain humidity.
- Keep your cuttings in bright light however not direct sun.
- Cuttings should be ready to plant out by the following spring.
Propagation by dividing established clumps in early spring is also possible.
Companion Plants for Aralia cordata ’Sun King’
An excellent plant to grow behind or next to Hostas, Dicentra, Tiarella and similar plants.
You may also like Fatsia japonica Spiders Web
More Information
- Botanical Name Aralia cordata ’Sun King’
- Common Names – In Japan, Mountain Asparagus and Udo, also known as Japanese Spikenard,
- Height – 1m (3ft)
- Spread – 1m (3ft)
- Growth Rate – Medium
- Foliage – Lime green to Golden Yellow and heart shaped.
- Flowers – White
- Flowering Time – Summer
- Position – Part shade, best with morning sun.
- Soil – Moist, well drained with some summer moisture.
People Ask
- Is Aralia cordata ’Sun King’ toxic?
No reports of it being toxic are found. - Is Aralia cordata ’Sun King’ fast growing?
In its first year it is slow to establish, then medium to fast growth rate. - Is Aralia cordata ’Sun King’ drought tolerant?
No, during dry periods it requires some extra water. - Do rabbits and deer eat Aralia cordata ’Sun King’
No, they do not seem to be attracted to it.