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Aruncus aethusifolius
Korean goatsbeard
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Image © Joy Creek Nursery |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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In early spring, from the tightly compact crowns of this perennial unfurls a delicate froth of low-growing, finely cut foliage. Its delicate bright green is a lovely foil for the short plumes of tiny, creamy-white flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. Each fluffy plume reaches not more than a foot tall and retains its flowers for about four weeks. Once the flower stems start to fade, they can be cut off or left standing for fall interest. The small stature of this plant earns it a place in any garden. It performs well in an open woodland, growing well in dry shade, but do not let more vigorous growers crowd it out. It also adds a touch of frilliness to any container. Try it as a groundcover in areas where most spreaders would be too vigorous. For contrast in texture, combine it with larger-leaved plants, such as Hosta ‘June‘ or any of the wild gingers (Asarum). It also makes a wonderful "skirt" (or should we say tutu?) around compact rhododendrons. |
| Culture |
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Korean goatsbeard grows best in part shade. This could be the bright open shade under tall trees or morning sun and afternoon shade. Keep it out of afternoon sun to prevent sun scorch to its delicate leaves. Provide a location with good soil. It grows fastest with regular summer watering but is drought tolerant in shade. Generally petite and slow-growing, Aruncus aethusifolius should not be planted with vigorous perennials that can overwhelm it. Plants are easy to divide when they are dormant in winter. |
| Growing Habit |
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This perennial produces fine-textured foliage 8 to 10 inches tall; its flowers sit above the foliage, topping out at 12 inches. It spreads slowly, creating a compact clump 18 to 24 inches wide in about five years. It becomes completely dormant in winter. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 4 to 8 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden