Images Depict Mature Plants
Aralia Sun King
Aralia cordata Sun King
Aralia Sun King is prized for its vibrant chartreuse foliage and fast-growing nature, making it an excellent choice for brightening up shaded garden areas and woodland borders. Its large size and deer-resistant qualities make it perfect for creating a bold statement in mixed beds, while attracting pollinators with its late-summer flowers and berries.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.
Share:
Aralia Sun King Plants For Sale
Aralia Sun King (Aralia cordata 'Sun King') is a striking, fast-growing perennial known for its vibrant chartreuse foliage and bold presence in the garden. Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, this hardy plant adds a pop of color to shaded areas with its large, bright yellow-green leaves that can reach up to 3 feet in length. Aralia Sun King can grow up to 4-6 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for creating a statement in garden beds or mixed borders. In late summer, small white flowers bloom, followed by dark purple berries, attracting pollinators and wildlife, adding to its seasonal interest.
Aralia Sun King is ideal for partial to full shade locations, though it can tolerate some morning sun without losing its vibrant leaf color. Its ability to thrive in shady areas makes it a perfect choice for brightening up woodland gardens, shaded borders, or areas under trees. With its rapid growth and large size, Aralia Sun King is also an excellent option for filling empty spaces in the landscape, providing lush foliage and texture throughout the growing season. Once established, this low-maintenance perennial is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, making it a reliable and easy-care addition to your garden.
In addition to its bold foliage, Aralia Sun King requires minimal care and is easy to grow. Plant it in well-drained soil and provide regular watering during its first growing season to help it establish a strong root system. After that, Aralia Sun King becomes drought-tolerant and requires minimal upkeep, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether used as a focal point in shaded areas or planted in groups for maximum impact, Aralia Sun King adds a unique and eye-catching element to any landscape with its striking color and impressive size.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 4 to 5 feet |
| Mature Width: | 4 to 5 feet |
| Classification: | Perennial |
| Sunlight: | Shade to Part Shade |
| Habit: | Upright, clump forming |
| Flower Color: | Inconspicuous white |
| Flowering Season: | Mid-Late Summer |
| Foliage: | Chartreuse |
| Soil Condition: | Prefers rich, organic, deep loamy soil that is moist but well drained. |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Border Plant, Landscape, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point |
How to Care for Aralia Sun King
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Aralia Sun King for years to come!
How Do I Plant Aralia Sun King?
To plant Aralia Sun King, choose a location with partial to full shade and well-drained soil, as this plant thrives in shaded areas while still tolerating some morning sun. Begin by digging a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball, ensuring enough space for the plant to grow and establish its roots. Place the plant in the hole with the crown level with the soil surface, then backfill with soil, gently pressing down to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots and promote healthy establishment. Spacing Aralia Sun King about 3-4 feet apart allows room for its bold, spreading growth habit. For best results, mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay, but avoid covering the crown to prevent rot. During its first growing season, keep the soil consistently moist, as this will help Aralia Sun King establish a strong root system. Once established, this low-maintenance perennial becomes drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. With proper planting and care, Aralia Sun King will thrive, providing its signature bright chartreuse foliage and impressive size, making it a standout feature in any shaded garden or woodland landscape.
How Do I Water Aralia Sun King?
To water Aralia Sun King, ensure the soil stays consistently moist during its first growing season to help the plant establish a strong root system. Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during hot or dry spells, allowing the water to soak into the root zone. While Aralia Sun King prefers well-drained soil, it’s essential to keep the soil from drying out completely in its early stages. Using mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture, prevent evaporation, and maintain the optimal growing conditions for this vibrant perennial. Once Aralia Sun King is established, it becomes more drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. In general, water the plant during prolonged dry periods, but let the top few inches of soil dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. Avoid waterlogging the soil, as this can lead to root rot. With proper watering, Aralia Sun King will thrive and continue to display its signature chartreuse foliage, providing year-round interest in shaded gardens or woodland landscapes with minimal effort.
How Do I Fertilize Aralia Sun King?
To fertilize Aralia Sun King, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. A general-purpose 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 fertilizer provides the necessary nutrients to promote healthy foliage and vigorous growth. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, being careful to avoid direct contact with the leaves. Water the area thoroughly after applying the fertilizer to help it penetrate the soil and reach the roots. Aralia Sun King typically only requires one feeding in spring, as over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of its overall health. For gardeners seeking an organic approach, compost or well-rotted manure can be applied around the plant’s base in early spring. This organic matter enriches the soil and provides a slow, steady release of nutrients throughout the growing season. Avoid fertilizing too late in the season, as this can encourage tender growth that may not harden off before winter. Proper fertilization ensures that Aralia Sun King maintains its vibrant chartreuse foliage and robust size, adding eye-catching color and texture to your shaded garden or woodland landscape with minimal effort.
How Do I Prune Aralia Sun King?
To prune Aralia Sun King, the best time to do so is in early spring before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased stems to maintain the plant's health and encourage fresh growth. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut these stems back to the base, allowing air circulation and light to reach the plant’s center. If necessary, you can also prune Aralia Sun King to control its size by trimming back the outermost stems slightly to shape the plant without affecting its overall structure. This light pruning will keep the plant tidy while preserving its bold, spreading growth habit. Throughout the growing season, Aralia Sun King generally requires minimal pruning beyond occasional removal of yellowing or damaged leaves. In the fall, you can cut back any remaining flower stalks after they have bloomed and before they set seed to keep the plant looking neat. This maintenance pruning ensures that Aralia Sun King remains healthy, vigorous, and attractive, with its signature chartreuse foliage continuing to make a bold statement in your garden. By pruning as needed, you’ll help the plant thrive and keep it looking fresh, allowing it to serve as a low-maintenance focal point in your landscape.
