Aralia cordata 'Sun King' is a bold herbaceous perennial grown for its brilliant golden foliage that lights up shade gardens from spring to frost. Its large compound leaves form a luminous mound that contrasts with finer textured plants, and in late summer it produces sprays of tiny white flowers followed by black berries. This variety adds architectural flair and color to shaded settings without demanding maintenance.
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 36 - 48 in
Bloom Time: Late summer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, fertile, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate
Deer Resistance: Somewhat resistant but may be nibbled in exposed areas
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Aralia cordata, a species native to East Asia. While not native to North America, it performs reliably in temperate shade gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Late blooming flowers attract native bumblebees, mining bees, and other small pollinators.
Birds
- Fall ripening black berries are consumed by thrushes, robins, and other fruit eating birds.
Beneficial Insects
- Umbel shaped flowers support hoverflies and predatory wasps that help suppress garden pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 36 - 48 in apart to showcase the plant’s full mounding form and prevent crowding in shade gardens.
Landscape Placement
- Best used as a focal point in shaded beds, woodland gardens, or large containers where bold foliage is needed. Combines well with dark greens and silvers for maximum contrast.
Companion Plants
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' (Solomon's Seal) Adds structural elegance and soft white flowers that echo Aralia’s texture.
- Heuchera villosa (Coral Bells) Provides colorful foliage at ground level and similar moisture needs.
- Hosta 'Frances Williams' Offers broad blue green foliage that contrasts with Aralia’s gold tones.
- Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) Tall, lacy white flowers create vertical balance and woodland interest.
- Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose) Evergreen leaves and winter blooms fill in around Aralia’s summer flush.