Plants with golden foliage can brighten up almost any drab garden patch. Sun King golden aralia (Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’) is no exception, hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. It is also known as Japanese spikenard and mountain asparagus. Under ideal conditions this thornless, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial grows rapidly to 3-5 feet tall and as wide in a single season.

The golden compound foliage emerges in mid-spring and retains its bright color throughout the summer. Growth rate is rapid and dies back to the ground in late autumn. In mid-summer numerous small clusters of tiny white flowers shoot up, borne on 2 feet tall racemes. Lustrous purplish-black berries follow in the fall.

Sun King makes a bold almost tropical statement in a semi-shade garden. Grow it in a compost-rich moist soil and in ½-day sunlight (morning hours preferred). The foliage will retain the golden color if given at least 2-3 hours of sun each day. More shade will result in lime-green or chartreuse foliage; 4 or more hours will likely burn the foliage. In Southern USDA zones 8 and 9, grow only in dappled sunlight to avoid leaf burn. Golden aralia should be mulched and watered over dry spells lasting 10 or more days.

Sun King aralia mixes well in large containers planted with green and other brightly colored foliage plants. It combines with the following perennials: coral bells (Heuchera spp.), and astilbes. Golden aralia is deer resistant. Tiny white flowers in early summer attract numerous honeybees. After a few years plant may colonize from its own germinated seedlings.

No pruning is necessary as golden aralia usually dies back to the ground in cold winter. Dead stems and plant debris can be removed once new spring growth emerges.

No serious insect or disease problems trouble this reliable perennial. Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, slugs and snails are occasional pests. Leaf spots may be a problem under overhead irrigation.

‘Sun King’ golden aralia was selected the 2020 Perennial Plant of The Year by the Perennial Plant Association. It is an excellent complement to hostas and woodland perennials.

‘Sun King’ golden aralia is not easily found in garden center commerce. However, several online nursery companies do list it