Also known as Spikenard · 266 saves
Aralia
Aralia, the genus most gardeners know as spikenard. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Aralia varieties
2 species of Aralia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Aralia in Sow
Save the Aralia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Aralia
Whats common across all Aralia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Aralia year
- MulchApril and May100% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain soil moisture
- PruneMarch67% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged wood in late winter
- Spring CleanupMarch50% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth emerges
- PropagateOctober and November50% of varieties
Divide established root clumps or sow fresh seed outdoors during winter dormancy.
- PlantApril and October33% of varieties
Plant bare root or container plants in spring or fall
- DivideMarch and October33% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 3-5 years in early spring or fall
- FertilizeApril33% of varieties
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost in spring
- Check for PestsJune33% of varieties
Inspect tender leaf undersides for aphids, spider mites, or powdery mildew.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune dead or damaged stems in early spring
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged stems to encourage healthy new growth
Avoid
- Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause legginess ❌
- Do not expose to full sun, it prefers shade or partial shade
- Refrain from dry conditions that stress the plant
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Aralia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and stippled yellowing leaves during dry, hot weather. | Increase humidity around the foliage and spray affected leaves with horticultural oil. |
| Spider mites | Webbing on foliage | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Deer and Rabbits | Chewed foliage and stems, particularly on tender young spring growth. | Apply organic animal repellents or use physical barriers if browsing pressure is high. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on foliage in stagnant, dry shade. | Improve air circulation around the plant crown and avoid overhead evening watering. |
| Root Rot | Wilting leaf stems and mushy, blackened root crowns in soggy, stagnant soil. | Ensure soil is deeply organic yet well-drained to avoid waterlogging the crown. |
Making more Aralia
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-drained soil
- Maintain high humidity for 6 weeks
Division
- Dig up the plant in early spring or fall
- Gently divide the root clump into sections
- Plant divisions immediately at the same depth
- Water thoroughly and mulch
Aralia questions
How many types of Aralia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Aralia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 266 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Aralia grow in?
Across its varieties, Aralia covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Aralia bloom?
Most Aralia varieties bloom in late summer, mid to late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Aralia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.