
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
The Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard will bring color and interest to any shady spot! It provides your space with unique colored foliage. This plant is also resistant to deer and produces inedible berries that add to the viewing interest. Its mounded habit makes it versatile for any area that is desired.
The unique foliage is what sets this one apart. In full shade it is a chartreuse lime. In part sun it provides golden foliage. During the summer you will notice tiny white blooms. The Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard has a mounded growing habit. It will reach a height and spread of thirty to thirty-six inches. Uses include border planting, landscape, as a focal point, and does well when mass planted.
Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard Care
The Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard does best when planted in part shade. It can tolerate sunny areas with adequate and consistent moisture. Soil should be rich and organic and deep loamy soil. All soil should remain moist but be well drained. This is not a drought tolerant plant. Consistent water is necessary. The Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard has average and regular water needs. In the winter it will die back and emerge in spring.
Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard Spacing
Spacing for the Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard is thirty to thirty-six inches, center on center. Proper spacing ensures your plant has room to develop a healthy root system and has plenty of space to flourish.
Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard Plant Facts
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 |
Flower Color(s): White |
Bloom Period: Summer |
Foliage Color(s): Yellow |
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade |
Height Class: Tall |
Height: 2.5-3 Feet |
Spread: 2.5-3 Feet |
Spacing: 2.5-3 Feet |
Habit: Mounded |
Watering: Average |
Drought Tolerant: No |
Resists: Deer |
Features: Foliage Interest |
Scientific Name: Aralia cordata 'Sun King' |
Common Name: Sun King Golden Japanese Spikenard |
Other Name(s): Herbal Aralia; Mountain Asparagus; Udo |
Brand: Proven Selections |
- SKU:
- ARASK
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

Best in Class Warranty
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.