Aralia cachemirica
Kashmir spikenard
A statuesque, arching deciduous perennial, growing 1.5-3m tall. Leaves are large, pinnately divided, rich green turning crimson and purple in autumn. The open panicles of tiny creamy-white flowers can be up to 30cm long, and are followed by maroon-black berries
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple Red | Black Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Aralia can be deciduous trees, shrubs or perennials, with large, simple or pinnately compound leaves and tiny greenish-white flowers in large terminal clusters, followed by small black fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Afghanistan to Himalaya, Tibet
How to grow
Cultivation
Ideally plant in full to light shade in humus-rich, evenly-moist soil. When grown on drier soils the lower leaves are often lost. Mature plants do not transplant well as they have an extensive fleshy root system. They can take several years to settle in the new position
Propagation
Propagate by seed; sow seeds as soon as ripe and keep in cold frame, or sow indoors after four weeks of cold stratification. Take root cuttings in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Cut down after frost
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
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