Aruncus Horatio (Goats Beard)

Noted for its tolerance to hot, humid summers, Aruncus ‘Horatio’ (Goat’s Beard) is a clump-forming perennial boasting beautiful feathery plumes of tiny, creamy-white flowers adorned with bronze stems. Blooming from early to mid-summer, the blossoms gradually turn cinnamon, creating an interesting two-tone effect.

Noted for its tolerance to hot, humid summers, Aruncus 'Horatio' (Goat's Beard) is a clump-forming perennial boasting beautiful feathery plumes of tiny, creamy-white flowers adorned with bronze stems. Blooming from early to mid-summer, the blossoms gradually turn cinnamon, creating an interesting two-tone effect. Once the flowers are less prominent, the elegant foliage of finely-divided, fresh green leaves takes over, extending the visual appeal through fall when the leaves turn brilliant red. Standing out as a truly exceptional perennial, it is perfect for a shady corner of the garden where it will bring elegance to its surroundings for months.

  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-30 in. wide (45-75 cm).
  • Thrives in fertile, organically-rich, medium to wet soils in full sun or part shade. Performs well in sun as long as the soil is consistently moist. Prefers part shade in the southern part of its growing range. When grown in deep shade, plants tend to have a more open habit and bloom sparsely.
  • Excellent plant for shady and moist areas, ideal as a specimen plant or planted in groups along streams or water gardens.
  • Easy to grow, it is fairly pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for sawflies. Deer resistant.
  • Cut back after flowering
  • Propagate by division in spring

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 7

Heat Zones 1
– 7

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aruncus – Goat's Beards
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 3'
(30cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 30″ (75cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden