9 Perfect Aralia Sun King Companion Plants & 5 to Avoid

Nestled within the heart of my urban garden oasis, the Aralia Sun King stands as a beacon of lush greenery and vibrant life. Its golden leaves not only brighten the shaded corners but also create a stunning backdrop for companion planting. As an urban gardener, I’ve experimented and observed, curating a list of companions that thrive alongside this majestic plant, enhancing biodiversity and garden aesthetics. Let’s delve into the nine best Aralia Sun King companion plants and identify five you should steer clear of to maintain harmony in your garden sanctuary.

Perfect Aralia Sun King Companion Plants

Hostas

Hostas provide a lush, textural contrast to the Aralia Sun King’s bright foliage. Their broad, green leaves create a serene underplanting that complements the Aralia’s stature and color.

To plant Hostas with Aralia Sun King:

1. Choose a spot that receives dappled sunlight, ideal for both plants.
2. Ensure the soil is rich, moist, and well-draining.
3. Space Hosta plants approximately 18 inches apart from the base of the Aralia Sun King to allow room for growth.

Ferns

Ferns, with their delicate fronds, add a graceful texture to the garden. They thrive under the same light conditions as the Aralia Sun King, making them perfect companions for creating a woodland aesthetic.

Planting Ferns alongside Aralia Sun King:

1. Select a variety of ferns that prefer partial to full shade.
2. Plant in a moist, well-draining area of your garden.
3. Space ferns about 12-15 inches away from your Aralia to ensure both have enough space to flourish.

Astilbes

Astilbes offer feathery blooms that contrast beautifully with the Aralia Sun King’s bold foliage. Their preference for similar moisture and light conditions makes them excellent companions.

To plant Astilbes with Aralia Sun King:

1. Choose a location with partial shade and moist soil.
2. Plant Astilbe rhizomes about 16 inches apart from the Aralia to avoid overcrowding.
3. Water regularly to maintain moist soil, especially during dry spells.

Heucheras

Heucheras, with their colorful, mounded foliage, bring depth and contrast to the Aralia Sun King. They thrive in similar conditions and add year-round interest to the garden.

Integrating Heucheras into your Aralia Sun King garden:

1. Select a variety of Heuchera that complements the golden hues of Aralia Sun King.
2. Plant in partial shade to full shade, ensuring well-draining soil.
3. Space Heuchera plants about 12 inches from the Aralia Sun King to create a cohesive look.

Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding Hearts add a touch of whimsy and vibrant color in spring, pairing well with the Aralia Sun King’s foliage. Their preference for shaded conditions aligns perfectly with the Aralia’s needs.

Planting Bleeding Hearts near Aralia Sun King:

1. Choose a shaded area that remains moist.
2. Plant Bleeding Heart tubers about 12 inches away from Aralia Sun King to allow for natural growth.
3. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support both plants’ growth.

Japanese Painted Ferns

Japanese Painted Ferns introduce a striking color contrast with their silver and green fronds. They enhance the visual appeal of the Aralia Sun King without competing for attention.

For successful planting:

1. Opt for a shaded spot with moist, well-draining soil.
2. Space the ferns around 12 inches from the Aralia Sun King, allowing their fronds to complement each other.
3. Maintain soil moisture, especially during hot, dry periods.

Solomon’s Seal

Solomon’s Seal adds height and graceful arching stems to the garden composition. Its white spring flowers and green leaves turn a golden-yellow in fall, echoing the Aralia Sun King’s color palette.

Planting Solomon’s Seal with Aralia Sun King:

1. Select a location that offers partial to full shade.
2. Space plants approximately 18 inches apart to accommodate growth.
3. Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist.

Hellebores

Hellebores provide early spring blooms and evergreen foliage, offering a beautiful underplanting to the Aralia Sun King. Their resilience in shaded gardens makes them ideal companions.

To plant Hellebores with Aralia Sun King:

1. Choose a spot with partial to full shade.
2. Plant Hellebores about 15 inches from the Aralia to give each plant ample space.
3. Ensure the area has rich, well-draining soil and water regularly.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, with their large blooms and lush foliage, create a stunning visual impact when paired with the Aralia Sun King. They prefer similar light conditions, making them compatible companions.

Planting Hydrangeas near Aralia Sun King:

1. Ensure the site receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
2. Plant hydrangeas about 3 feet away from the Aralia to allow both plants to spread.
3. Keep the soil moist and well-drained to support healthy growth.

Bad Aralia Sun King Companion Plants

Black Walnut

Black Walnut trees produce juglone, a compound toxic to many plants, including Aralia Sun King. Avoid planting them in proximity to avoid juglone toxicity. Juglone is primarily found in the tree’s roots, nut hulls, and leaves, and it can persist in the soil for years after the tree has been removed. Symptoms of juglone toxicity in susceptible plants include yellowing leaves, wilting, and eventual death. It’s crucial to research and plan plantings carefully to prevent any negative interactions with Black Walnut trees.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees can inhibit the growth of nearby plants through allelopathy, including Aralia Sun King. Their large root systems also compete for water and nutrients. Eucalyptus trees are known for releasing volatile oils and chemicals into the soil that can hinder the germination and growth of other plants. These allelopathic properties make it challenging for neighboring plants to thrive. Additionally, eucalyptus trees have high water requirements, further exacerbating competition for resources in the surrounding soil. Careful consideration should be given to planting companions for Eucalyptus trees to ensure the health and vitality of all species involved.

Cacti and Succulents

Cacti and succulents prefer dry, well-drained soil and full sun, making them unsuitable companions for the moisture-loving Aralia Sun King. These plants have adapted to arid environments, storing water in their fleshy stems and leaves to withstand periods of drought. Their water-saving adaptations and preference for sunny conditions contrast sharply with the requirements of Aralia Sun King, which thrives in moist, shaded areas. Attempting to grow cacti and succulents alongside Aralia Sun King may lead to issues such as overwatering, which can be detrimental to the desert plants’ health. It’s essential to consider each plant’s specific needs and growing conditions when planning a garden layout.

Invasive Ground Covers

Invasive ground covers can quickly overtake the garden, competing with Aralia Sun King for space, light, and nutrients. Avoid aggressive spreaders like English Ivy or Vinca, which can rapidly spread and choke out other plants in their vicinity. These invasive species often outcompete native plants, disrupting local ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. Once established, they can be challenging to eradicate, requiring significant time and effort to control. Vigilance and proactive management strategies, such as regular monitoring and timely removal of invasive ground covers, are essential to maintain the health and balance of the garden environment.

Large Trees with Dense Canopies

Large trees with dense canopies can overly shade and compete with Aralia Sun King for light and nutrients, hindering its growth. In addition to shading, the extensive root systems of large trees can also compete with Aralia Sun King for water and nutrients in the soil. This competition can stunt the growth of the plant and make it more susceptible to stressors such as drought. When selecting companion plants for areas shaded by large trees, it’s important to choose species that can tolerate low light levels and root competition. Additionally, strategic pruning of the trees to allow more light to penetrate the canopy can help mitigate competition and promote the health of all plants in the ecosystem.

Companion Planting Chart for Aralia Sun King

Here’s a quick guide to help you remember which plants to pair with your Aralia Sun King and which to avoid:

Good Companions	Benefits
Hostas	Textural contrast, shade tolerance
Ferns	Delicate texture, shared light preference
Astilbes	Feathery blooms, moisture love
Heucheras	Colorful foliage, year-round interest
Bleeding Hearts	Spring color, shade-loving
Japanese Painted Ferns	Striking color contrast, easy care
Solomon’s Seal	Height and arching stems, fall color
Hellebores	Early blooms, evergreen foliage
Hydrangeas	Visual impact, similar light needs

Plants to Avoid	Reason
Black Walnut	Juglone toxicity
Eucalyptus	Allelopathy, competition for resources
Cacti and Succulents	Differing water and light needs
Invasive Ground Covers	Aggressive growth, competition
Large Trees with Dense Canopies	Excessive shade, nutrient competition