Spikenard (Aralia racemosa), an herbaceous perennial native to North America, grows vigorously with very little care. The plant features branching stems, dark-green leaves and large clusters of tiny, white flowers that appear in early summer. Attractive purple fruits follow the blossoms and attract birds to the garden in abundance. Because of its impressive stature, spikenard is often mistaken for a shrub. The plant's huge, imposing leaves lend an almost tropical feel to any garden. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 8, spikenard thrives in mild climates. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Plant spikenard in the spring after the ground has warmed to a workable temperature. Choose a planting location with average to rich garden soil that receives full sun to part shade. Space spikenard plants at least 2 feet apart to allow enough room for their large mature size.
2. Water spikenard about once a week during the spring and summer, or any time the soil appears dry. Saturate the soil to a depth of 1 to 2 inches at each application. The plant prefers consistent moisture and may drop leaves if the soil remains dry for too long. Decrease watering to twice a month during the fall and cease watering during winter dormancy.
3. Apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic mulch around spikenard plants in late spring to help protect the roots from summer heat and promote moisture conservation. Use cedar bark chips or straw for the best results.
4. Feed your spikenard plant once a year in the spring, just after new growth begins, using a balanced garden fertilizer according to the instructions on the label. Avoid overfeeding the plant, as this can cause it to grow leggy and spindly. A boost in the spring, however, will help encourage new growth.
5. Prune the suckers, or small shoots of growth that grow up from the base of the plant to control the spread of your spikenard. Allow the suckers to grow only if you're using spikenard in a large border where you wish to see a dense thicket of growth.
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