Comments on: Goatsbeard for the Shade Garden

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:53:50 +0000

Swimray, I’ve found the Aruncus dioicus to be easy to grow, but you do have to give it some room. It gives some substance to the shade border, as there is a smaller number of tall shade plants to choose from. I just got some more of the dwarf, A. aethusifolius for a new front garden area that I’m planting.

By: Swimray

Swimray — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:36:37 +0000

Thanks from me, too, for the information. I sometimes see this in catalogs and it looked interesting, but along with lots of other things, I never know what scale they are, how dense they grow, and how easy/difficult they are. That’s what garden blogs are for.

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:10:03 +0000

Shady Gardener, I’m in Edmonton, Alberta, about 500 km (300 miles) north of the Montana border. My plants’ flowering times are probably behind yours, but this summer, they’re even behind my regular bloom dates. I keep track on a chart, and most are a week or 2 later than last year.

The little dwarf goatsbeard is very appealing. I might add some to a new front bed I’m planting right now.

Pomona, the little dwarf Aruncus aethusifolius is a good choice for a small garden, and easy to squeeze in. The tall goatsbeard does need some room to stretch its stems. I have one of mine in a corner by my gate, to one side of my house. There is a difference in the appearance of the male and female flowers, with one of them being more showy, but I’ve never seen them offered separately.

By: Pomona Belvedere

Pomona Belvedere — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:06:49 +0000

Thanks for an education in goatsbeard; I’m going to tweet this so other people can find it. I’ve seen goatsbeard in catalogues but even the best catalogues aren’t great at showing and describing every aspect, never mind their cultural preferences (I do wish you’d told us which kind of opera they prefer, though ;) ).

Thanks too for the companion-plant suggestions in both post and comments. I’m still learning to be more conscious of the foliage thing. Aruncus isn’t something I’d seriously considered before for my small garden, but it’s certainly going to get some consideration now.

By: Shady Gardener

Shady Gardener — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:26:21 +0000

Hi there NS! I have both types of Aruncus as well! The dwarf is so cute, isn’t it? I just planted that last Spring and it’s beginning to fill out. I’m sorry I’ve forgotten where you are, but you seem to be a little north of me as my plants finished blooming awhile ago… Love my visits here. :-)

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:47:27 +0000

Joy, it’s too bad that I don’t see the goatsbeard in bloom when they are for sale, as the one with the fluffier flowers is even more good looking, but I don’t think you can tell them apart until they bloom.

My shortened one is like a krummholz, the little stunted trees you see at the snowline. Every time I see it, it gives a little glare, and sends a message, ” You should have planted me in a better site to begin with.”

I’m making a new bed in front, and I’m thinking of adding some dwarf Korean goatsbeard to it.

By: Joy

Joy — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:22:19 +0000

Hello NS ! I have both of these plants and they are gorgeous, tall or dwarf habit .. I have 2 of each in different locations and the tall ones do make a dramatic impact .. one with Purple Leaf Sand Cherry and one with miscanthus Purple Flame .. they seem to compliment each other nicely . I can’t imagine having a garden without them now : )
I really find that interesting how your did an almost Bonsi ? trick to one of them .. a new cultivar ? LOL .. can I have one too please ?
Joy

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:12:14 +0000

MNGarden. I like both of these perennials, although they have different uses in the garden. I’m looking forward to having the little dwarf goatsbeard bloom in my garden again. I gave it a very shady spot with root competition, so we’ll see how it does.

By: MNGarden

MNGarden — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:11:40 +0000

I’ll have to try it in my garden. I love finding plants that I have not used before. Blogging is so great.
Donna

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:56:57 +0000

Kim, Aruncus aethusifolius, the dwarf goatsbeard, has very appealing leaves, and a nice, rounded mound shape. It makes a nice contrast to more solid, large leafed plants.