Sun King Aralia - Ask Extension
Hello, I have 4 Sun King Aralia plants under a very large Colorado Blue Spruce tree. Three of them are thriving. This spring I transplanted the one th...
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Sun King Aralia #872999
Asked June 13, 2024, 3:37 PM EDT
Hello, I have 4 Sun King Aralia plants under a very large Colorado Blue Spruce tree. Three of them are thriving. This spring I transplanted the one that isn't to a shadier spot under the tree, I felt it was getting too much sun, therefore was a more yellow color and not nearly as large as the other three. It's struggled from the start with the lowest leaves browning and the rest of the plant often drooping. I had water it regularly. Could it be a problem with a large tree root? There is a Japanese Painted fern near it that is also struggling,
Thank you for your thoughts,
Lisa
Kankakee County Illinois
Expert Response
Hello,
Underneath most large evergreen trees is a fairly difficult spot for plants to grow. The shade of the canopy limits sunlight to plants and the root system out-competes for resources in the soil. I typically recommend if a person wants to plant under an evergreen tree, install the plants at the outer edge of the canopy.
Sun King is ideally planted in a partial shade area. My Sun King aralia is planted full sun and does fine. It is mulched with a 6-inch layer of woodchips to insulate the soil and hold moisture. I believe this allows the plant to succeed in full sun. Afternoon shade helps as well.
The aralia may also be suffering from transplant shock and need time to recover from being moved. Monitor the soil moisture. Avoid drowning the plant or keeping it from drying out.
Underneath most large evergreen trees is a fairly difficult spot for plants to grow. The shade of the canopy limits sunlight to plants and the root system out-competes for resources in the soil. I typically recommend if a person wants to plant under an evergreen tree, install the plants at the outer edge of the canopy.
Sun King is ideally planted in a partial shade area. My Sun King aralia is planted full sun and does fine. It is mulched with a 6-inch layer of woodchips to insulate the soil and hold moisture. I believe this allows the plant to succeed in full sun. Afternoon shade helps as well.
The aralia may also be suffering from transplant shock and need time to recover from being moved. Monitor the soil moisture. Avoid drowning the plant or keeping it from drying out.
