Sun King Aralia
Best choice for gardeners looking to brighten shady, deer-prone landscapes.
Brighten shady garden areas with the vigorous 'Sun King' Golden Japanese Spikenard (Aralia cordata). This perennial shrub is prized for its large, compound leaves displaying a stunning golden chartreuse hue, deepening to chartreuse in heavier shade. Capable of growing up to four feet tall in one season, it makes an imposing specimen. In late summer, it produces small flowers that attract pollinators, followed by attractive blue-black berries enjoyed by birds. This flexible plant thrives in shade to part-shade locations and offers the added benefit of being deer resistant.
$22.65
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
858
/ 2598
#858 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Mature Height
3660
/ - inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners looking to illuminate dark, shaded corners of the yard
- Shade-garden enthusiasts needing vibrant color that resists leaf scorch
- Busy homeowners wanting low-effort plants that deer avoid
Who should skip it
- Small-space gardeners with limited room for large, spreading shrubs
- People living in arid climates without reliable irrigation systems
- Impatient gardeners seeking immediate, full-sized landscape impact
Performance breakdown
Shade adaptability
Thrives in deep shade where most colorful perennials struggle to survive.
Growth velocity
Rapid seasonal expansion provides an instant, full-sized garden presence.
Visual impact
Chartreuse foliage acts as a natural spotlight for dim landscape corners.
Wildlife utility
Supports local ecosystems by feeding both pollinators and hungry birds.
Deer resistance
Reliable choice for gardens frequently visited by browsing wildlife.
Maintenance demand
Requires consistent moisture to maintain its lush, vibrant appearance.
Key Specs
Mature Height
36-60 inches
Mature Spread
36-60 inches
Growth Rate
Fast
Growing Zones
USDA Zone 4-8
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Light Requirements
Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
Soil Type
Loamy, Well-Drained
Watering Needs
High
Features
- Striking golden chartreuse foliage brightens shade gardens.
- Vigorous growth reaches up to four feet tall.
- Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees.
- Provides food for birds with blue-black berries.
- Deer resistant for worry-free planting.
- Adaptable to various shade conditions.
- Mounding plant form creates a full appearance.
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Sun King Aralia for its spectacular, vibrant golden foliage, calling it a showstopper for shade gardens. Reviewers consistently highlight the plant's robust nature and ease of establishment, noting rapid growth into substantial specimens. Its reliability is a key feature, with noted deer resistance and tolerance for various soil conditions appealing to those seeking low maintenance. While the initial cost is sometimes mentioned, the consensus is that the plant offers exceptional value. Its unique aesthetic contribution and dependable performance make it a worthwhile investment that consistently exceeds expectations for color and texture in darker garden areas.
Know before you buy
This plant is highly adaptable and thrives in anything from full shade to partial sun. Keep in mind that the foliage color will be a brighter golden-chartreuse in more light, while it will shift to a deeper, lime-green shade in darker areas.
Sun King Aralia is relatively low-maintenance, but it does have high watering needs. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during hot summer months, to prevent the large leaves from wilting.
Yes, this variety is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, it is a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a common concern.
It is a fast grower that can reach its mature height of up to four feet in a single growing season. Because it is a deciduous perennial, it will die back to the ground in winter and emerge again in the spring.
It performs best in loamy, well-drained soil. Because it requires high moisture, ensure your planting site has good drainage to avoid waterlogged roots while still retaining enough water to keep the plant hydrated.
Absolutely. The late-summer flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while the blue-black berries that follow provide a valuable food source for birds in your garden.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$23