| Common Name | Sun King Aralia |
| Botanical Name | Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’ |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | 3-9 |
| Mature Size | 3-6 ft tall, 3-5 ft wide |
| Sun | Part shade to full shade |
| Soil | Moist, humus-rich, well-drained |
| Bloom Time | Late summer (white umbels) |
| Foliage Color | Bright gold to chartreuse |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
Why Sun King for Wisconsin
Shade gardens are dominated by green. Sun King changes that. This perennial emerges each spring with bright golden-yellow compound leaves that look almost tropical. It reaches 3-6 feet tall by mid-summer, creating a bold focal point where most shade plants are low and subtle. Hardy to Zone 3, it’s bulletproof in Wisconsin. The gold color holds through the season without burning, which is unusual for a yellow-leaved plant in shade.
Planting Instructions
When: Spring after last frost.
Where: Part shade to full shade. Some morning sun is fine and keeps the gold color bright. Avoid hot afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.
How: Enrich the planting hole with compost. This plant likes moisture and organic matter. Mulch generously.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: Gold shoots emerge from the ground in mid to late spring (it’s slow to start). Do not plant anything on top of it in winter thinking it’s dead.
Summer: Reaches full size by mid-summer. White flower clusters appear in August. Keep soil moist.
Fall: Foliage stays attractive until frost. Small dark berries may follow flowers.
Winter: Dies to the ground completely. Mark the location so you don’t accidentally dig into the roots.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Sun scorch: Too much direct sun, especially afternoon sun, will brown the leaf edges. Shade is this plant’s natural environment.
Slugs: The large leaves can attract slugs in wet conditions. Good air circulation and not overwatering help.
Companion Planting
Hosta (blue varieties for color contrast). Astilbe for feathery texture below. Brunnera for blue flowers in spring. Ferns for a lush woodland composition. Heuchera in dark tones at the base.
Design and Landscape Uses
Shade garden focal point, woodland border, or massed under trees. One of the few perennials that provides height AND bold color in shade. Plant it where you need a “wow” moment. Pairs well with dark-leaved plants like black Heuchera for dramatic contrast. Also works in large containers on a shaded patio.
Fun Fact
Aralia cordata is native to Japan and Korea, where the young shoots (called “udo”) are eaten as a vegetable. Sun King was selected for its unusually bright gold foliage, which is much more vivid than the typical green species. The compound leaves can reach 2-3 feet long, giving the plant its tropical appearance despite being one of the hardiest shade perennials available.
Sun King Aralia is available at our Cedarburg nursery.