Aruncus dioïcus Kneiffii - Goat's Beard

Aruncus dioicus 'Kneiffii' is a recently acquired variety of goat's beard, still not widely available in the horticultural trade. Less vigorous than the typical species found in wet and high mountain woods, it has a foliage of rare finesse: from olive green to dark bottle green; it is cut like lace and has a surprisingly feathery appearance. This robust perennial produces numerous fine flower heads in early summer, equally feathery, of a creamy white colour. Light as a feather is ideal for a semi-shaded border in the company of plants that appreciate the same conditions.

Aruncus dioicus belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a perfectly hardy rhizomatous perennial, native to the humid undergrowth of central and eastern Europe, western and boreal Asia, and northern America. It is most often found growing in humus-rich soils at the edge of forests, in partial shade, on fresh soil, and limestone subsoil. The goat's beard plant is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female parts on each plant.

The cultivar 'Kneiffi', a little slow to establish, shows slow growth and modest development, but it is a long-lived plant: at maturity, the plant will not exceed 70-80 cm (28-32in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width. This plant grows from a thick stump in the spring and has large, finely cut leaves that turn yellow in the fall. It blooms heavily in June and July with small white-cream flowers on feathery spikes that are 35 cm (14 inches) long. The flowers only last for about a month.

A robust and hardy perennial, the Kneiffi goat's beard will thrive in the garden for many years. It settles permanently in any fertile and fresh soil, provided it is not too heavy. It is particularly suitable for cottage gardens, natural gardens, woodland gardens, and water features. Its bright flowering illuminates the semi-shade and brings lightness to all the plants that accompany it. It can paired with Astilbes, Aconitums, foxgloves, ferns, and other cool semi-shade perennials. In large beds, it looks beautiful with hydrangeas, large hostas with blue-green foliage, or woodland perennial geraniums. This plant is excellent for growing beneath Japanese maples or Styrax japonicus foliage, and it's perfect for planting near high-traffic borders. Keep it in direct sunlight to help it grow.