Border Builder

American Spikenard

Aralia racemosa

Illustration of American Spikenard

American Spikenard is a perennial for focal point, suited to shade and partial shade and clay or loam, flowering Jun, Jul, Aug.

TypePerennial
Mature height150 cm
Spread150 cm
Aspectshade and partial shade
FoliageDeciduous
HardinessUSDA 3a-8b
Pollinator-friendlyYes
Pet-safeNot confirmed

Where to use it in a border

At around 150 cm, it sits best toward the back of a border, or on its own as a focal point with room around it. Give it about 150 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 3a to 8b, so check it suits your area before planting.

It appears in our lists of shade, clay soil, pollinator-friendly plants.

Border Builder uses American Spikenard's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Flowering through the year

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Worth knowing

Good companions

Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:

Garden styles

Meadow Native Shade cottage Wildlife garden