Aralia cordata Thunb.
Japanese spikenard
A spreading, suckering perennial, up to 2.5m tall and wide, with large, pinnate leaves that emerge golden-green in spring, maturing to bright green in summer. Small white flowers are borne in large umbels, up to 45cm across, in late summer and are followed by inedible purple fruits
Other common names
udo
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Gold Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- 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
- China Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in a moist, neutral to acidic soil in partial shade but will tolerate full shade, or full sun if kept watered
Propagation
Propagates readily from suckers or propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
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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