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Gotemba Golden Japanese Spikenard - 2 Gallon
SKU:
2071605
UPC:
014949310557
$34.99
- Brilliant golden foliage lights up shady borders and woodland gardens from spring through fall.
- Fast-growing, bold accent that reaches 4–6 ft. tall and wide each season.
- Late-summer white flower sprays followed by showy purplish-black berries that birds appreciate.
- Shade-friendly, deer resistant, and easy to grow in consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil.
Gotemba Golden Japanese Spikenard (Aralia cordata ‘Gotemba’) is a standout, herbaceous perennial prized for its luminous yellow foliage that emerges each spring and quickly forms a broad, dramatic clump. Perfect for brightening semi-shaded borders, woodland gardens, and large containers, this fast-growing plant reaches about 4 to 6 feet tall and wide annually, creating a grand, architectural presence. In late summer, airy sprays of small white flowers rise above the foliage and give way to shiny purplish-black berries for even more seasonal interest. Give it fertile, humus-rich soil that stays consistently moist (not soggy), protect it from harsh winds, and enjoy an eye-catching “golden glow” where many plants fade into the background.
At-a-Glance
- Botanical name: Aralia cordata ‘Gotemba’
- Common name: Gotemba Golden Japanese Spikenard
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- USDA Zones: 4–10
- Growth rate: Fast
Size & Growth
- Seasonal size: Reaches 4–6 ft. tall and wide annually
- Habit: Broad clump with a bold, “tree-like” presence
- Growth note: Size can vary based on light, water, and soil
In brighter conditions, plants tend to be a bit shorter and bushier; in more shade, they may stretch taller for a taller, more vertical look.
Foliage & Seasonal Interest
- Foliage color: Brilliant yellow
- Season: Fresh golden growth emerges in spring
- Winter behavior: Dies back to the ground in winter
This is a “spotlight plant” for shade—its golden foliage makes darker corners feel brighter and more inviting.
Flowers & Berries
- Bloom time: Late summer
- Flower color: White
- Extra interest: Ornamental, shiny purplish-black berries after bloom
- Wildlife: Berries help support birds
Light Requirements
- Best light: Bright or dappled shade
- Also tolerates: Filtered sun / partial sun
- Full sun note: Can handle full sun in cooler climates with ample moisture
For the happiest plant, aim for bright shade and consistently moist soil—especially during warm, dry spells.
Watering
- Water needs: Keep soil consistently moist
- Tip: Water deeply and regularly, especially during establishment and summer heat
- Avoid: Letting soil dry out completely
Soil & Planting Tips
Gotemba Golden Japanese Spikenard thrives in fertile, humus-rich, evenly moist (but not soggy), well-drained soil.
- Work compost into the planting area to enrich soil and improve moisture retention.
- Mulch to help keep roots cool and maintain even moisture.
- Choose a spot with good drainage to prevent waterlogged soil.
Care & Maintenance
- Winter cleanup: Foliage dies back—remove old stems/foliage before spring growth begins
- Feeding: Apply a slow-release fertilizer before new growth emerges in spring
- Wind: Shelter from damaging winds
This plant is naturally bold and beautiful—most of the “care” is simply keeping moisture consistent and tidying up once a year.
Landscape Uses & Design Ideas
- Best uses: Semi-shaded borders, woodland gardens, and large containers
- Landscape use: Border, container
- Design tip: Pair with dark foliage for maximum contrast and a dramatic glow effect
Use it as a statement plant—one clump can anchor a shade bed the way a shrub might, but with the seasonal reset of a perennial.
Wildlife & Resistance
- Deer resistant: Yes
- Bird-friendly: Ornamental berries support birds
Edible & Garden Lore
In Japan, the young emerging stems have historically been eaten in spring. This is one more reason the plant is so beloved—ornamental beauty with an interesting cultural history.
Companion Plant Ideas
Gotemba’s golden foliage pairs beautifully with shade favorites and deeper greens for contrast. Try planting alongside:
- Hosta
- Oregon grape holly (Mahonia)
- Ligularia
- Coral bells (Heuchera)
- Snakeroot (Cimicifuga)
- Dogwood
- Hydrangea
Origin Story
This distinctive plant was selected from a seedling collected by plant explorer Daniel J. Hinkley at Gotemba Nursery in Japan, with origins tied to the island of Ulleong-do in the Japanese Sea.
- Brilliant golden foliage lights up shady borders and woodland gardens from spring through fall.
- Fast-growing, bold accent that reaches 4–6 ft. tall and wide each season.
- Late-summer white flower sprays followed by showy purplish-black berries that birds appreciate.
- Shade-friendly, deer resistant, and easy to grow in consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil.
Gotemba Golden Japanese Spikenard (Aralia cordata ‘Gotemba’) is a standout, herbaceous perennial prized for its luminous yellow foliage that emerges each spring and quickly forms a broad, dramatic clump. Perfect for brightening semi-shaded borders, woodland gardens, and large containers, this fast-growing plant reaches about 4 to 6 feet tall and wide annually, creating a grand, architectural presence. In late summer, airy sprays of small white flowers rise above the foliage and give way to shiny purplish-black berries for even more seasonal interest. Give it fertile, humus-rich soil that stays consistently moist (not soggy), protect it from harsh winds, and enjoy an eye-catching “golden glow” where many plants fade into the background.
At-a-Glance
- Botanical name: Aralia cordata ‘Gotemba’
- Common name: Gotemba Golden Japanese Spikenard
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- USDA Zones: 4–10
- Growth rate: Fast
Size & Growth
- Seasonal size: Reaches 4–6 ft. tall and wide annually
- Habit: Broad clump with a bold, “tree-like” presence
- Growth note: Size can vary based on light, water, and soil
In brighter conditions, plants tend to be a bit shorter and bushier; in more shade, they may stretch taller for a taller, more vertical look.
Foliage & Seasonal Interest
- Foliage color: Brilliant yellow
- Season: Fresh golden growth emerges in spring
- Winter behavior: Dies back to the ground in winter
This is a “spotlight plant” for shade—its golden foliage makes darker corners feel brighter and more inviting.
Flowers & Berries
- Bloom time: Late summer
- Flower color: White
- Extra interest: Ornamental, shiny purplish-black berries after bloom
- Wildlife: Berries help support birds
Light Requirements
- Best light: Bright or dappled shade
- Also tolerates: Filtered sun / partial sun
- Full sun note: Can handle full sun in cooler climates with ample moisture
For the happiest plant, aim for bright shade and consistently moist soil—especially during warm, dry spells.
Watering
- Water needs: Keep soil consistently moist
- Tip: Water deeply and regularly, especially during establishment and summer heat
- Avoid: Letting soil dry out completely
Soil & Planting Tips
Gotemba Golden Japanese Spikenard thrives in fertile, humus-rich, evenly moist (but not soggy), well-drained soil.
- Work compost into the planting area to enrich soil and improve moisture retention.
- Mulch to help keep roots cool and maintain even moisture.
- Choose a spot with good drainage to prevent waterlogged soil.
Care & Maintenance
- Winter cleanup: Foliage dies back—remove old stems/foliage before spring growth begins
- Feeding: Apply a slow-release fertilizer before new growth emerges in spring
- Wind: Shelter from damaging winds
This plant is naturally bold and beautiful—most of the “care” is simply keeping moisture consistent and tidying up once a year.
Landscape Uses & Design Ideas
- Best uses: Semi-shaded borders, woodland gardens, and large containers
- Landscape use: Border, container
- Design tip: Pair with dark foliage for maximum contrast and a dramatic glow effect
Use it as a statement plant—one clump can anchor a shade bed the way a shrub might, but with the seasonal reset of a perennial.
Wildlife & Resistance
- Deer resistant: Yes
- Bird-friendly: Ornamental berries support birds
Edible & Garden Lore
In Japan, the young emerging stems have historically been eaten in spring. This is one more reason the plant is so beloved—ornamental beauty with an interesting cultural history.
Companion Plant Ideas
Gotemba’s golden foliage pairs beautifully with shade favorites and deeper greens for contrast. Try planting alongside:
- Hosta
- Oregon grape holly (Mahonia)
- Ligularia
- Coral bells (Heuchera)
- Snakeroot (Cimicifuga)
- Dogwood
- Hydrangea
Origin Story
This distinctive plant was selected from a seedling collected by plant explorer Daniel J. Hinkley at Gotemba Nursery in Japan, with origins tied to the island of Ulleong-do in the Japanese Sea.
