Aruncus Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners (2024)

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 15th Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Aruncus plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Spiraea, and Goatsbeard: Cultivation & Garden Use

The common names for the bushy hardy perennial Aruncus include Spiraea and Goat's beard.

It is a native of central Europe.

The plant usually flowers in the early summer.

Aruncus dioicus by GideonStrauss.

Description of Aruncus

Plants of the species Aruncus tend to be bushy in nature and can have plumes of white flowers that are carried upon long arching stalks.

Spiraea can be quite large in size reaching heights between one and two metres in size. This makes them ideal for growing at the back of borders. They are ideal plants to make a water feature appear natural.

Aruncus aethusifolius by Nestmaker.

How to Grow Aruncus

When planting Aruncus outdoors it is best to sow out the seeds on the surface in the spring after the last frost, and when the earth is warming up.

If preparing Aruncus species such as Spiraea and Goat's beard for planting as seedlings, it is best to sow the seeds indoors one to three months before planting out at a temperature of 13 to 18 degrees Celsius.

The seedlings can be transplanted either in the spring or the autumn into a partly shaded part of the garden, into a moist rich soil, and should be spaced 5 to 15 cm apart.

Caring for Aruncus

Aruncus is fairly easy to look after. Soil should be kept moist while growing. Fertilizer should be applied in the spring-time and the stem of the plants cut back to the level of the ground in the autumn.

If you require more plants, then they can be divided once established to supply more plants.

Common Questions

How many members does the Aruncus genus have?

The Aruncus genus has about 4 species. These plants, known as goat's beard, are appreciated for their lush foliage and tall, feathery plumes of white flowers.

Do members of Aruncus make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Aruncus plants make great garden or landscaping plants. They add a touch of elegance to shaded areas and can be used as a background plant due to their height.

Which Aruncus species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown species is Aruncus dioicus (goat's beard), valued for its height, arching foliage, and tall, feathery plumes of flowers.

Are members of the Aruncus plant genus fragrant?

Aruncus flowers are not typically known for being fragrant, but their large, showy flower plumes more than make up for it!

What is the perfect location to grow Aruncus?

Aruncus plants prefer a location in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. They are perfect for woodland gardens or areas with dappled sunlight.

Is Aruncus invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Aruncus is not considered invasive in the USA. It's generally a well-behaved plant in a garden setting.

How do I remove Aruncus plants from my garden?

To remove Aruncus, cut back the plant and dig up the root system. Make sure to remove all roots to prevent it from growing back.

Summary

The Aruncus genus, also known as goat's beard, is part of the Rosaceae family. This genus includes a few species of perennial plants native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These plants are loved for their tall, feathery plumes of tiny white or cream flowers that appear in late spring to early summer.

Aruncus plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and require moist, well-drained soil. They are perfect for woodland gardens, shady borders, or near water features. These plants are low-maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including heavy shade and high humidity. However, they do not do well in hot, dry conditions.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Aruncus. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Beach Rose and Barren Strawberry plants.