Overview

Aruncus 'Horatio' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Aruncus, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Aruncus 'Horatio' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, garden edging, ground cover and flower borders and beds.

About

Aruncus 'Horatio' (goat's beard 'Horatio') is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Rosaceae family. It features deciduous foliage and grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. It adapts well to both exposed and sheltered locations, tolerating a range of soil types including clay and loam, with acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. It prefers moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soils and is of interest during the summer and autumn seasons.

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 4.0Aruncus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aruncus

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Aruncus 'Horatio' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Garden edging, Ground cover, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aruncus 'Horatio'

Cultivation
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; tolerant of a range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.
Pruning
Cut back old flower stems after blooming to encourage fresh growth; remove dead or damaged foliage in early spring.
Propagation
Division in spring
Pest resistance
Sawflies
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Aruncus 'Horatio'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; tolerant of a range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.

Where is the best place to plant Aruncus 'Horatio'?

Aruncus 'Horatio' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Aruncus 'Horatio' need?

Aruncus 'Horatio' grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.

How do I prune Aruncus 'Horatio'?

Cut back old flower stems after blooming to encourage fresh growth; remove dead or damaged foliage in early spring.

How big does Aruncus 'Horatio' grow?

Aruncus 'Horatio' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Aruncus 'Horatio' hardy in the UK?

Aruncus 'Horatio' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Aruncus 'Horatio'?

Division in spring.

More in the Aruncus genus

Browse all Aruncus

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