Aralia 'Sun King'

Aralia cordata 'Sun King': Golden Woodland Beacon

A standout in shade gardens, Aralia 'Sun King' brings bold texture and brilliant colour with its radiant golden-yellow foliage that glows from spring to frost. Its mounding form and compound leaves create a lush, tropical effect, while tiny star-like white flowers in late summer give way to dark purple berries. Despite its exotic looks, this herbaceous perennial is remarkably hardy, deer-resistant, and easy to grow, making it a luminous focal point in part shade or dappled woodland areas.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 75–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Creamy white
• Flowering Period: Late summer
• Foliage: Bright golden-yellow, compound, tropical in appearance
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: Aralia 'Sun King' is ideal for brightening shaded borders, understory plantings, and woodland edges. It pairs beautifully with darker foliage and provides a welcome pop of colour where few plants thrive. Its bold texture adds contrast to finer-leaved perennials and ferns, and it plays well in modern and naturalistic designs alike. Low maintenance and striking from a distance, it earns its place as a garden anchor or large-scale accent.

Companion Plants: Combine with the deep plum foliage of Heuchera 'Obsidian', the coppery new fronds of Dryopteris 'Brilliance', and the soft, arching blades of Carex 'Everglow' for a layered, shade-loving composition rich in texture and year-round interest.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade in soil that retains moisture but drains well. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first year. No pruning is required, though spent flowers can be removed for tidiness. This plant dies back in winter and re-emerges reliably each spring. A light application of compost in spring supports vigorous growth.

History: Introduced from Japan and brought into wider cultivation by plantsman Barry Yinger, Aralia 'Sun King' has become a beloved choice for shade gardens since its North American debut in the early 2000s. Its bold foliage and easygoing nature quickly earned it awards and a loyal following.

Final Thoughts: Bold yet graceful, Aralia 'Sun King' is a beacon in the shade, offering long-lasting colour and architectural form with minimal effort. It's a reliable favourite for gardeners looking to bring light and life to the woodland floor.