Image 1 of 2

Public Plant Profile

Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard

Aralia cordata 'Sun King'

Category: Perennial • Spikenard

Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard features vibrant golden leaves and is perfect for shaded landscapes.

Request Consultation Browse All Plants

Mature Height: 3-6 feet

Mature Width: 3-6 feet

Bloom Color: White

Bloom Time: Summer

Light: Part Sun/Part Shade

Zone: Zones 3-8

Maintenance: Moderate

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Multi-season

Foliage: Deciduous

Community Photos

Upload some of your best photos for this plant by clicking below.

Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard is a striking perennial known for its vibrant golden foliage and large, umbrella-like clusters of white flowers. It thrives in moist, shaded areas and adds a bold splash of color to gardens.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in partial to full shade with consistent moisture. Prefers rich, well-drained soil.

Soil Preferences

Requires good drainage and moderate moisture. Adaptable to a range of pH levels.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenbordermass planting

Special Features

Bright golden foliageattractive clusters of white flowers

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides habitat.

Resistance / Tolerance

Tolerates humidity and some drought.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for adding color to shady areas. Works well in woodland gardens.

Related Plants

See How Similar Plants Are Used in Real Landscapes

Explore related plants, compare shape, texture, and overall planting style, and get a better feel for what may fit your own outdoor space.

Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

What Clients Say

★★★★★

“Josh of Bold Outdoors was a very professional, hard working landscape service provider. He worked with me very well blending his ideas with that I had already done in my landscape. He worked with me instead of telling…”

Ann R.

★★★★★

“Bold Outdoors has provided the highest quality professional landscape design, installation and after installation services at my residence since April, 2014. Josh Graber, the owner of the company, listened to input from…”

Brad S.

Helpful Next Steps

Browse All Plants See Design Services Request a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

Browse more plants or reach out and we will help you choose the right combination for your space.

Request a Consultation Browse All Plants