Sun King Aralia

Name: Sun King Aralia
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 23482
Price: 16.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Aralia cordata 'Sun King'

Nature Hills Nursery

$16⁹⁹

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the brightest neon yellow color, provide 2 to 4 hours of morning sun followed by dappled shade. While it can grow in full shade, the foliage will shift to a lime green; however, avoid harsh afternoon sun which can scorch the delicate leaves.
Soil: This plant thrives in rich, organic soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in compost or leaf mold to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Sun King Aralia two to three times a week to help the root system move deep into the soil. Once established, this perennial is relatively low maintenance but requires supplemental watering during dry spells to prevent the large leaves from wilting or browning at the edges. Consistent moisture is the secret to maintaining that lush, tropical look throughout the heat of summer.

Pruning Tips

Since this plant dies back to the ground in winter, you should prune away the spent stems in late autumn or early spring before new growth appears. Think of it like a fresh start each year; removing the old debris prevents pests from overwintering and clears the way for the vigorous new shoots. Because it grows so quickly, you can also trim back any wayward stems in midsummer to maintain a tighter, mounded shape.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the new shoots begin to emerge from the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, because this encourages tender new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. A layer of organic mulch around the base will also provide a steady stream of nutrients while keeping the roots cool.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Tropical Ambience in Shade Sun King Aralia

Award-Winning Perennial
Grows Beautifully in Shade or Partial Shade
Bold Yellow to Lime Green Foliage
Large, Finely Toothed Leaves
White Blooms in Summer
Decorative Purple Berries Feed Birds in Fall
Widely Adaptable and Hardy
Fast Growing Filler Plant
Natural, Rounded, Freeform "Shaggy" Style
Nectar Resource for Pollinators
Easy-Care

Move over Impatiens! Make room for the exceptionally colorful foliage of Sun King Aralia (Aralia cordata 'Sun King'). This clump-forming, rounded perennial brightens shady corners, and takes Canadian-style cold and Houston-level heat.

This improved cultivar of Golden Japanese Spikenard is native to shady forested areas. The large leaves of this rugged filler plant add a lot of pizzazz to "ho-hum" areas.

The bright gold leaves are finely toothed, and brilliantly colored. Use in multiples to cheer up an otherwise dim and gloomy garden bed. Create a memorable massed display under mature trees.

Sun King featured arched, highly textured, pointed leaves and sharply contrasting reddish-brown stems. With its sculptural, freeform habit, it enlivens your woodland plantings of Fern and Hosta!

The serrated leaves are pointed at the end, with a decidedly tropical appearance. In late summer, they produce tiny white flowers on spikes, which develop into decorative deep purple berries.

Humans can't eat the berries, but birds do! They also add an amazing designer touch in your fall landscape.

Rely on the Sun King Aralia to boost the appeal of any areas in part shade or full shade. It works hard to accent either residential or commercial settings.

No wonder this tough, easy-care plant won the 2020 Perennial Plant of the Year award! Order Sun King Aralia today!

How to Use Sun King Aralia in the Landscape

This is an outstanding deciduous perennial to fill your woodland garden with bold color. Use them as a large focal point on the east side of your house, or in a naturalized area for a stunning effect.

These plants complement both the rounded leaves of Hosta and the airy leaves of Ferns. A single plant makes an exceptional specimen, and looks gorgeous as a drift, long row, or mass planting.

For a solid fill of color, plant them two feet apart on center. You’ll measure from the center of one to the center of the next.

To fill bare ground, create a mass planting. Add additional rows in a zigzagging planting pattern, then add mulch between plants until they grow together. Keep new mass plantings weeded.

You'll love the soft fullness these gorgeous plants give to your planting beds. They are absolutely delightful in the landscape.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Sun King Aralia loves a spot in the shade. Only in Zones 4 or 5 should you attempt a full-sun placement—and then only if you give regular water.

They develop a more chartreuse color in shade, and brighten to showy yellow with at least four hours of direct sunlight. Morning sun and afternoon shade are the ticket to success with these award-winning plants.

It appreciates humus-rich soil that is well-drained and uniformly moist. In dry soils, be sure to mulch heavily and provide supplemental water if you don't receive enough rain.

Sun King dies back to the ground each winter. For a clean look, cut last year's foliage back to a few inches above the ground early, before it emerges in spring. In some countries, the new shoots are blanched and enjoyed, much like Asparagus. Wildcraft to your heart's content, or let them fill into their allotted space as a low mound of bright color.

Brilliant color, outstanding plant award-winning, and easy-care… what more could you ask for? Spark up your low-light areas with the high-impact, personality-plus of Sun King Aralia. Order yours today!

Botanical Name

Aralia cordata 'Sun King'
Class
- Apiales
Species

cordata
Cultivar

Sun King
Growing Zones

4-9
Height

3-6 ft
Width

3-6 ft
Sunlight
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Yellow
- Green
Fall Color

Yellow
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Summer, Early Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 4-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and height of Sun King Aralia?

Sun King Aralia typically reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity, forming a naturally rounded, clump-forming habit. This fast-growing perennial fills space quickly in shaded areas. Plan for adequate spacing since it spreads to create a substantial presence in woodland gardens.

Does Sun King Aralia grow well in full shade or does it need sun for golden foliage?

Sun King Aralia thrives in both full shade and partial shade while maintaining its brilliant golden foliage. This award-winning perennial actually prefers shaded conditions, being native to forested areas. Plant it in your shadiest spots for reliable bright color where other plants struggle, available at naturehills.com.

What are the soil requirements for planting Sun King Aralia?

Sun King Aralia thrives in well-draining, organically rich soil with consistent moisture. This adaptable perennial tolerates a wide range of soil conditions from slightly acidic to neutral pH. Amend heavy clay with compost for better drainage and root development.

How much water does Sun King Aralia need, and is it drought tolerant?

Sun King Aralia prefers consistent moisture but adapts well to varying conditions once established. This hardy perennial tolerates both Canadian-style cold and Houston-level heat, indicating good resilience. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency as the plant matures in shade.

How fast does Sun King Aralia grow, and does it die back in winter?

Sun King Aralia is a fast-growing deciduous perennial that dies back to the ground each winter and returns in spring. It quickly fills spaces with bold yellow-green foliage and reaches mature size within a season. Plant multiples for best impact, available at naturehills.com.

Does Sun King Aralia require pruning, and when?

Sun King Aralia requires minimal pruning due to its natural freeform habit. Simply remove spent flower spikes in late summer if you don't want berries, or leave them for fall bird food and winter interest. Cut back dead stems in early spring before new growth emerges.