Aruncus aethusifolius

Aruncus aethusifolius: Goat's Beard, Fun Size

Tiny creamy white plumes over fine, ferny leaves that turn yellow in fall. Dwarf Goat's Beard is all beard, no goat. THE NEATEST LITTLE GOATEE IN THE GARDEN.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Aruncus aethusifolius
• Common Name: Dwarf Goat's Beard
• Height: 25–45 cm (10–18 in) in flower
• Spread: 25–40 cm (10–16 in)
• Flowers: Creamy white, branched sprays held just above the leaves
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (June to July)
• Foliage: Finely divided, fern-like, deep green, often turning yellow in fall
• Features: Compact, RHS Award of Garden Merit

Where to Plant: Use it to edge a part-shade border, in a woodland or rock garden, or at the front of a bed where a big goat's beard won't fit. It doesn't like dry shade, so keep it away from greedy tree roots and the dry side of a fence, and give it part shade in hot spots.

Companion Plants: Use dwarf goat's beard at the front of a moist bed in sun or part shade with bolder plants behind. Aquilegia Earlybird™ Purple Yellow adds purple and yellow columbines at 28 to 33 cm from May to July. Iris 'Butter and Sugar' opens white and yellow Siberian iris at 65 to 70 cm in May and June. Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel' brings huge scarlet blooms at 120 cm from July to September in the sunnier spot. Miscanthus 'Silberfeder' rises at the back to 180 to 225 cm with silvery plumes.

Plant Care: Plant in moist, fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. It can take full sun if the soil stays evenly moist, but in hot, dry spots give it afternoon shade. Water regularly in the first season and during dry spells after that. A layer of mulch helps keep the roots cool and moist. Cut the foliage back in late fall or early spring. Clumps rarely need dividing, but you can split them in spring if you want more plants.

History: This species is native to the mountains of Korea, and its name refers to finely cut leaves that resemble those of Aethusa, a small plant in the carrot family. It holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Tuck it in a shady rock garden or at the front of the border. Deer pass it by. TRIMMED, TIDY AND READY FOR ITS CLOSE-UP.