The Perennial Plant Association revealed the winner on August 1, during the PPA National Symposium in Chicago.
Aralia cordata 'Sun King' has a tropical look, but it's a fast-growing perennial that's hardy to cooler climates and grows to approximately one metre high and wide or more. The large compound leaves measure up to one metre long. 
'Sun King' emerges in mid-spring with bright gold leaves held on contrasting reddish-brown stems. If given at least a few hours of sun a day, the foliage will remain yellow all summer. In heavier shade, the foliage ranges from chartreuse to lime green.
It forms a large clump of foliage and produces racemes of small white flowers in mid to late summer followed by deep purple berries. It is a pollinator plant. 