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Aralia
Big Impact, Flowering Groundcover
- Charming, Miniature Blooms: Enjoy a carpet of tiny, snapdragon-like flowers in shades of purple-blue, lavender, or white (depending on the cultivar) throughout spring and early summer.
- Incredibly Low-Maintenance: This groundcover is a breeze to care for, requiring minimal watering, fertilizing, or mowing once established. It is perfect for busy gardeners or those with challenging growing conditions.
- Tough and Durable: Mazus reptans is surprisingly resilient. It can tolerate light foot traffic, making it suitable for pathways, between steppingstones, or as a small-scale lawn substitute.
- Fast-Spreading Coverage: Quickly fill in bare spots and create a dense, weed-suppressing mat. It spreads readily by creeping stems that root at the nodes.
- Versatile Groundcover Solution: Ideal for a variety of landscape applications, including rock gardens, borders, edging, containers, and even as a living mulch around shrubs and trees.
- Adaptable to Sun and Shade: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, giving you flexibility in placement. (Note: Flowering will be most profuse in full sun.)
- Attracts Pollinators: The small flowers are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects.
- Deer Resistant: Deer tend not to bother this groundcover.
Site Selection:
- Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) to partial shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun. In hotter climates (zones 8-9), some afternoon shade is beneficial.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. However, it is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as drainage is adequate. Avoid constantly soggy conditions, which can lead to root rot. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal.
- Hardiness Zones: It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Planting:
- Timing: Spring or early fall is the best time to plant.
- Spacing: Space plants 6-12 inches apart. Closer spacing will result in faster coverage.
- Depth: Plant at the same depth as the plant was growing in its container. The crown of the plant (where the stems meet the roots) should be level with the soil surface.
- Preparation: Dig a hole that is slightly wider and as deep as the root ball.
- Planting: Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
- Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
Watering and Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first growing season, to establish a strong root system. Once established, Mazus reptans is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
- Mulching: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch (shredded bark, compost) around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch away from the crown of the plant.
- Fertilizing: Generally, not necessary. If growth is slow or foliage is pale, you can apply a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
- Weeding: Maintain a weed-free environment, particularly while plants are becoming established.
Pruning and Maintenance:
- Mowing (Optional): If used as a lawn alternative, Mazus reptans can be mowed occasionally on a high setting to maintain a neat appearance. However, mowing is not required.
- Shearing (Optional): After flowering, you can shear back the plants lightly to encourage bushier growth and potentially a second flush of blooms. This is not essential.
- Division (Optional): To propagate or rejuvenate older plants, divide them in spring or early fall. Dig up the clumps and carefully separate them into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots. Replant immediately.
Propagation:
- Division: The easiest and most common method. Divide plants in spring or fall.
- Stem Cuttings: Take stem cuttings in spring or early summer. Root them in a moist potting mix or perlite.
- Seeds: Mazus reptans can be grown from seed, but germination can be erratic. Sow seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
Potential Problems:
- Slugs and snails: These pests can sometimes be a problem, especially in moist, shady conditions. Use organic slug and snail control methods if necessary.
- Root Rot If the soil does not have good drainage, and remains too wet, root rot can occur.
Golden Aralia for Stunning Shade Gardens
- Unmatched Golden Foliage Brilliance: Imagine your shade garden illuminated! 'Sun King' bursts forth with large, dramatically golden leaves that brighten even the darkest corners. This vibrant color persists throughout the season, unlike many fleeting golden foliage plants.
- Textural Drama and Bold Form: Beyond the color, 'Sun King' offers incredible texture. Its large, palmate leaves create a bold, almost tropical feel, adding architectural interest and a touch of the exotic to any garden.
- Effortless Shade Garden Star: Struggling to find plants that thrive in shade and offer visual impact? Look no further! 'Sun King' excels in shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens, north-facing borders, and beneath tree canopies.
- Low Maintenance Beauty: Once established, 'Sun King' is remarkably low-maintenance. It is deer-resistant, relatively pest and disease-free, and requires minimal pruning, allowing you to enjoy its beauty with ease.
- Versatile Garden Performer: 'Sun King' is adaptable and can be used in various garden settings. Plant it as a striking focal point, use it to create dramatic contrasts with darker foliage plants, or incorporate it into mixed borders and containers for a touch of golden elegance.
- A Long-Lasting Investment: Aralia cordata 'Sun King' is a perennial that will return year after year, growing larger and more impressive with each season. It is a plant that truly gets better with age, providing enduring beauty to your landscape.
- Light: Prefers dappled shade to part shade. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves, especially in hotter climates. Morning sun is generally well-tolerated.
- Soil: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Planting Time: Spring or fall are the ideal times to plant 'Sun King'. Avoid planting during the heat of summer or when the ground is frozen.
Planting Instructions:
- Choose Your Location: Select a spot in your garden that meets the light and soil requirements outlined above.
- Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Amend the Soil (If Needed): If your soil is poor, mix compost or other organic matter into the backfill soil.
- Remove from Container: Gently remove the 'Sun King' from its container, loosening any circling roots if present.
- Planting Depth: Place the root ball in the center of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill and Firm: Backfill the hole with the prepared soil, gently firming around the base of the plant.
- Water Thoroughly: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and provide initial moisture.
- Mulch (Optional): Apply a layer of mulch (such as bark chips or shredded leaves) around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the stem. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Ongoing Care:
- Watering:
- Establishment: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Established Plants: Once established, 'Sun King' is relatively drought-tolerant. Water during prolonged dry periods, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: 'Sun King' is not a heavy feeder. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce foliage color.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. You can also lightly shape the plant if desired.
- Overwintering: 'Sun King' is generally hardy in USDA zones 4-8 (check specific zone hardiness for your location). In colder zones, a layer of mulch around the base can provide extra winter protection.
- Pests and Diseases: 'Sun King' is generally resistant to pests and diseases. Monitor for slugs or snails, especially in very damp conditions. If problems occur, address them promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls if necessary.
- Dividing (Optional): Mature 'Sun King' plants can be divided in spring or fall if desired to propagate new plants or control size.
Enjoying Your 'Sun King':
- Seasonal Interest: 'Sun King' provides vibrant golden foliage from spring through fall. In autumn, the leaves may take on attractive reddish or bronze hues before going dormant in winter.
- Deer Resistance: 'Sun King' is generally considered deer-resistant, although no plant is completely deer-proof, especially when food sources are scarce.
Pro-Tip: For the most vibrant golden foliage, ensure your 'Sun King' receives adequate but not excessive light. Dappled shade is ideal. Too much deep shade can reduce the intensity of the golden color.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully plant and enjoy the stunning beauty of Aralia cordata 'Sun King' in your garden for years to come!
Aralia (ar-ray-lee-uh); Aralia Family (Araliaceae) a genus of ornamental herbs, shrubs and trees of North America, Asia and Australia. The woody species make imposing, if somewhat coarse-textured plants for the large shrub border or for use as bold lawn specimens. The perennials are useful in the wild garden, in rich soil.