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Description
Aralia Cordata, also known as Spikenard, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to East Asia. It belongs to the Araliaceae family and is popular among gardeners for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. It can grow up to 2 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide, making it a great addition to any garden or landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Aralia |
Appearance
Aralia Cordata features large, glossy green leaves that are deeply lobed and can grow up to 50 cm in length. The leaves are arranged in a whorled pattern on the stem, and the plant produces small, white flowers in late summer. The flowers are followed by dark purple berries that are attractive to birds.
Care Guide
To ensure your Aralia Cordata thrives, follow these care guidelines:- Water: Water your plant regularly and deeply, making sure the soil stays moist. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.- Soil: Aralia Cordata prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Amend your soil with compost or organic matter to improve its quality.- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full shade, making it a great choice for shaded areas of your garden.- Hardiness Zones: Aralia Cordata is hardy in zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aralia Cordata is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and scale insects. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of infestation and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
Habitat
Aralia Cordata is native to East Asia, where it grows in woodland areas and along streambanks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Aralia Cordata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Aralia Cordata can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
Q: Does Aralia Cordata require pruning?
A: Yes, you can prune your Aralia Cordata in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and maintain its shape.
Q: Can Aralia Cordata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Aralia Cordata can be grown indoors in a bright location with plenty of indirect sunlight.
Q: When is the best time to plant Aralia Cordata?
A: The best time to plant Aralia Cordata is in the spring, after the last frost has passed.
Related Plants
– Aralia Elata- Aralia Racemosa- Aralia Spinosa- Aralia Continentalis- Aralia Nudicaulis
References
– “Aralia Cordata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j850.- “Growing Aralia Cordata.” Gardening Know How. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/aralia/growing-aralia-cordata.htm.- “Aralia Cordata.” Plant Care Today. https://plantcaretoday.com/aralia-cordata.html.
