Aruncus
( ar - RUNK - us )
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At-A-Glance InformationAlso called Goat's Beard, this genus of perennial flowering plants grows in partial shade, and needs regular water. The wispy flowers will attract butterflies to your garden. These plants resemble Astilbe; they have a slow-spreading clumpy habit, and in summertime produce branched clusters of white or cream flowers. Use Aruncus plants for borders or mixed beds, or at the edges of woodland areas. Take care when planting these in the landscape as the seeds are toxic to humans and pets.
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Aruncus Species and Varietals
The genus Aruncus is a member of the plant family Rosaceae, and includes one official species, Aruncus aethusifolius, for which all other species are synonyms. There are two species listed below, though due to recent genetic testing, they are both now included in Aruncus aethusifolius. The best growing zones for Aruncus depend on the species; for more information, read the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Aruncus aethusifolius (Aruncus sylvester) (Goat's Beard) Grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-17, and is a native of Korea. Leaves are deep green in color, and create a 1 foot tall mound from which tiny flowers bloom on branched stems 16 inches tall. Great for rock gardens, as edgings, or even for a small-scale groundcover. |
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Aruncus dioicus (Aruncus sylvester) This native of Eurasia and southern Alaska gets to 6-7 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The plant produces showy plumes of white flowers in branched clusters. Grows in zones A2, A3, 1-9 and 14-17. Varieties include 'Kneiffii' (half the size of the species with fern-like leaves), and 'Child of Two Worlds' ('Zweiweltenkind') grows to 5 feet tall with drooping flower clusters. |
Caring for Aruncus
Goat's Beard plants prefer to grow in shaded locations. They are naturally woodland plants that grow in moist soils, and this environment should be replicated as closely as possible in the garden. Too much sun can result in leaf burn, especially if that sun is coming during the warmest part of the day. Plants prefer loamy, organically rich soil that drains well but is kept relatively moist. The ideal soil pH for Aruncus plants is between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are compacted, do not drain well, or are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or compost before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installation, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature.
Water new plants regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new environment. Mature plants also appreciate consistent moisture in the soil around their base, but do not like waterlogged conditions. On the other end of the spectrum, if soil is allowed to dry out for even a short period of time, plants react negatively. It is best to keep a constant moist environment around the roots of these plants, and ensure that soil is well draining to avoid standing water. Prune Aruncus after they have completed flowering. Remove all spent flowering heads (leaving some on female plants if you will be collecting seeds for propagation). In cooler weather areas, cut the entire plant back to just above ground level in fall. Mulch over the top to protect the root system from frost.
Water new plants regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new environment. Mature plants also appreciate consistent moisture in the soil around their base, but do not like waterlogged conditions. On the other end of the spectrum, if soil is allowed to dry out for even a short period of time, plants react negatively. It is best to keep a constant moist environment around the roots of these plants, and ensure that soil is well draining to avoid standing water. Prune Aruncus after they have completed flowering. Remove all spent flowering heads (leaving some on female plants if you will be collecting seeds for propagation). In cooler weather areas, cut the entire plant back to just above ground level in fall. Mulch over the top to protect the root system from frost.
Propagation
Aruncus can be propagated by either division or seed. Keep in mind that if you choose to propagate your Aruncus from seed, the resulting plant may not be a clone of the parent. For an exact replica of your existing plant, it is better to go for the division method of propagation.
Propagating Aruncus by Division
This method is relatively simple; you will need a clean shove, mulch, fresh soil amended with compost, and 12 -inch pots (if you will not be transplanting your divided plants directly into another spot in the garden). Division is best done in fall, when the plants are entering their dormancy. To propagate your Aruncus by division, follow these instructions:
Propagating Aruncus by Seed
Aruncus seeds can be harvested in fall, after flowers have faded and seed heads have developed. Aruncus are dioecious plants, meaning that male and female flowers bloom on separate plants, and that a male and female plant need to be close to each other if viable seeds are to be created. Also, f you'd like to harvest seeds, make sure to leave some spent flowers on your female plant so seeds can be allowed to mature. To propagate your Aruncus by seed, you will need a plastic bag, a seeding tray (or a pot, whichever you have at your disposal), well-draining soil amended with compost, and a spray bottle filled with water.
Propagating Aruncus by Division
This method is relatively simple; you will need a clean shove, mulch, fresh soil amended with compost, and 12 -inch pots (if you will not be transplanting your divided plants directly into another spot in the garden). Division is best done in fall, when the plants are entering their dormancy. To propagate your Aruncus by division, follow these instructions:
- Using your shovel, dig up your existing plant starting from the outside and working your way in. This will avoid any root damage from your shoveling. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Tease apart the roots with your fingers and separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each segment has at least a few shoots.
- Prepare your pot(s) or your new garden location by filling or amending with compost-enriched soil, and water to ensure adequate drainage is occurring. Then, plant your divided plants about a half inch under the soil surface and backfill with more enriched soil. Water thoroughly.
- Apply mulch around the base of the new planting to discourage water evaporation and protect from colder temperatures over wintertime. Continue providing weekly water and make sure the soil is not drying out, and enjoy watching your plant grow once spring rolls around.
Propagating Aruncus by Seed
Aruncus seeds can be harvested in fall, after flowers have faded and seed heads have developed. Aruncus are dioecious plants, meaning that male and female flowers bloom on separate plants, and that a male and female plant need to be close to each other if viable seeds are to be created. Also, f you'd like to harvest seeds, make sure to leave some spent flowers on your female plant so seeds can be allowed to mature. To propagate your Aruncus by seed, you will need a plastic bag, a seeding tray (or a pot, whichever you have at your disposal), well-draining soil amended with compost, and a spray bottle filled with water.
- Once you have harvested your seeds, place them in a dark area that stays around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and keep them there for two months. Then, move them into the refrigerator for another two months. Seeds will germinate more successfully if given this shock of cold. The seeds then are ready to be sown in containers indoors.
- Prepare your tray or pot by filling it with soil, and then watering it to ensure that proper drainage is occurring. Place your seeds on top of the soil, and then cover with more soil. Spray the soil with your spray bottle, and continue monitoring for moisture as the seeds develop. Place your tray or pot in a warm area. Then, be patient. The seeds can take up to a year to germinate.
- Once you start to see seedlings appear and grow, you can begin potting them up. Continue giving adequate water. Plants will do best when allowed to reach a good size before being transplanted into your garden.
Female plants produce seeds, and will need a male plant nearby for cross-pollination.
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Aruncus seeds.
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Problems and Pests
Aruncus are pest and disease free for the most part. For information on commonly encountered landscape pests and diseases, consult the following pages:
Gallery
Aruncus flowers are very tiny, and when seen from afar create the illusion of clouds floating above the foliage.
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Woodland gardens are natural settings for these shade loving plants.
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This beautiful, purple and green understated landscape is elevated by the presence of Aruncus' lofty flowers.
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Although small, Aruncus flowers can attract a show of pollinators.
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Aruncus plants prefer partial to full shade.
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Videos
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 172, Aruncus
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