Are you searching for an unusual shade loving plant that can bring layers of color to your garden? Aralia Sun King might tickle your fancy. It thrives in similar conditions to hostas and other woodland perennials, but grows to about 3 ft in height and features tropical-looking golden colored leaves.

With at least 2 hours of sun per day, foliage should remain golden with complementary reddish-brown stems. In more shade the leaves will darken to a lighter lime green. It is a fast growing shrub and once established grows to 3ft tall by wide. Golden leaves emerge in mid-spring and once they get started will quickly grown to fill in the desired space. Mid-summer sees tiny white pollinator-friendly flowers emerge and in fall it sports inedible deep-purple berries.

Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Aralia cordata Sun King

Aralia cordata Grows best in shaded areas with only a few hours of morning sun, but with consistent moisture it can grow in more sun. Prefers rich soils high in organic matter that is well drained. It is not drought tolerant. In the winter it typically dies back to the ground, to emerge in spring and quickly grow into a small-medium sized shrub.