Overview
Aruncus dioicus is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Aruncus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Aruncus dioicus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and cut flowers. It is native to Europe, Asia and eastern and western North America.
About
Aruncus dioicus, known as goat's beard, buck's-beard or bride's feathers, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant in the family Rosaceae, found in Europe, Asia, and eastern and western North America. It is the type species of the genus Aruncus.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aruncus dioicus
About the genus
Aruncus is a genus of clump-forming herbaceous perennial plants in the family Rosaceae. Botanical opinion of the number of species differs, with from one to four species accepted. They are closely related to the genus Spiraea.
Wikipedia contributors, "Aruncus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aruncus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aruncus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Aruncus dioicus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Europe, Asia, eastern and western North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aruncus dioicus
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade; tolerant of full sun if soil remains moist; benefits from mulching to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Cut back old stems to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Blackfly, Sawfly larvae
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Aruncus dioicus?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade; tolerant of full sun if soil remains moist; benefits from mulching to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Aruncus dioicus?
Aruncus dioicus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Aruncus dioicus need?
Aruncus dioicus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Aruncus dioicus?
Cut back old stems to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Aruncus dioicus grow?
Aruncus dioicus reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Aruncus dioicus hardy in the UK?
Aruncus dioicus has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Aruncus dioicus?
Division in spring or autumn.