Aruncus aethusifolius (Dwarf Goats Beard)

Perfect for small gardens, Aruncus aethusifolius (Dwarf Goat’s Beard) is a compact herbaceous perennial with attractive feathery plumes of tiny, starry, creamy-white flowers that rise well above the fine foliage mound.

Perfect for small gardens, Aruncus aethusifolius (Dwarf Goat's Beard) is a compact herbaceous perennial with attractive feathery plumes of tiny, starry, creamy-white flowers that rise well above the fine foliage mound. Blooming from early to mid-summer, they resemble miniature astilbes. Once the flowers are less prominent, the handsome billowing mound of fern-like, much-dissected, glossy leaves takes over, extending the visual appeal through fall when it turns brilliant shades of orange and yellow. This plant is great for tucking into small areas of a shade or rock garden.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 10-12 in. tall (25-30 cm) and 12-16 in. wide (30-40 cm).
  • Thrives in fertile, organically-rich, medium to wet soils in full sun or part shade.
  • Excellent plant for shady and moist areas. Perfect for rock gardens, cottage gardens, bog gardens, and along streams and ponds. Good in containers too.
  • Easy to grow, it is fairly pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for sawflies. Deer resistant.
  • Cut back after flowering
  • Propagate by seed sown in spring or autumn or by division in spring
  • Native to Korea.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 7

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aruncus – Goat's Beards
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)Fall
Height 10"
– 1'
(25cm
– 30cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 12″
– 16″
(30cm
– 40cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage