Goatsbeard Aruncus 'Sparkles'
ABOUT
Aruncus 'Sparkles' is a perennial plant that boasts an elegant and graceful appearance. Its foliage consists of finely divided leaves, which present a texture that can be described as both lacy and lush. The leaves are typically a deep green in color, which forms a striking backdrop to the plant's flower panicles. The flowers of Aruncus 'Sparkles' are one of its most distinctive features. Appearing in early to mid-summer, they are small, star-shaped, and creamy white, forming elongated, feathery plumes. These plumes are dense and erect, rising above the foliage and creating a soft, frothy look that is reminiscent of a bridal spray or a foam-topped wave. The contrast between the dark green foliage and the white, airy flower clusters gives Aruncus 'Sparkles' a look of delicate sophistication, making it a popular choice for woodland gardens, borders, and cottage garden designs. The overall aspect of the plant is one of enchanting lightness and fairy-tale like charm, contributing to an atmosphere of natural elegance in any garden setting where it graces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Goat's Beard, Bride's Feathers
Common names
Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus, Astilbe dioica, Aruncus aethusifolius, Aruncus vulgaris.
ToxicityTo humans
Goat's beard (Aruncus 'Sparkles') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or reports indicating that this ornamental plant causes poisoning when touched or ingested. Therefore, it is generally considered safe around humans with normal use in gardens or landscaping. However, it's always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants as a general safety practice, especially if information on their toxicity is uncertain or if individuals have specific allergies or sensitivities.
To pets
Goat's beard (Aruncus 'Sparkles') is also not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the plants that are known to cause poisoning in animals. As such, the ingestion of this plant does not typically result in any significant toxic effects in pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some pets due to the novelty and fiber content. Observing your pets and keeping ornamental plants out of their reach is always a good preventive measure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herbaceous
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds aesthetic value to gardens with its delicate, feathery plumes of creamy-white flowers.
- Easy to Grow: Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Attracts Wildlife: Provides a source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest throughout the growing season and even into fall with its foliage and seed heads.
- Shade Tolerance: Can thrive in partially shaded areas where other flowering plants may struggle to grow.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for water-conservative landscapes.
- Deer Resistance: Often avoided by deer, which can help prevent damage to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafts: The dried flower stalks of Goat's beard can be used to create natural and rustic decorations for crafts or as embellishments in floral arrangements.
- Erosion Control: Due to its robust root system, Goat's beard can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil.
- Dye Production: Although not commonly used for this purpose, the roots or foliage could theoretically be used to create natural dyes for fabrics.
- Natural Fencing: Planted in a row or as a hedge, Goat's beard can provide a soft visual barrier in the garden that changes with the seasons.
- Fairy Gardens: The delicate, feathery nature of Goat's beard makes it a whimsical addition to fairy or miniature gardens.
- Photography: The intricate structure of Goat's beard flowers provides an interesting subject for macro photography enthusiasts.
- Winter Interest: The seed heads of Goat's beard can add texture and interest to the garden during the winter months when left unpruned.
- Wildlife Shelter: Dense clumps of Goat's beard can offer shelter and breeding grounds for small wildlife and beneficial insects.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Stalks with seed heads can be gathered and used as part of autumnal centerpieces or other seasonal decor.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not a common practice, the young leaves can be used as an ornamental garnish for plating in high-end culinary dishes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Aruncus 'Sparkles', commonly known as Goatsbeard, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Goatsbeard is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Femininity and Delicacy: The elegant, feathery plumes of the Aruncus, commonly known as Goat's Beard, offer a soft, delicate aesthetic that can symbolize feminine beauty and grace.
- Endurance and Longevity: The Goat's Beard is a hardy perennial that can live for many years, symbolizing the ability to endure over time and withstand challenges.
- Protection: With its dense foliage, Goat's Beard plants can create a thick cover, suggesting a symbol of shelter and protection.
- Mystery and Privacy: Due to the plant's bushy appearance, it can obscure views, representing the idea of keeping secrets or maintaining a private space.
- Attraction: The Goat's Beard has showy blooms that attract pollinators, symbolizing allure and the ability to attract attention or affection.
WaterGoat's beard requires consistent moisture, especially during its active growing season in the spring and summer. It's important to keep the soil around the Goat's beard consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per session to thoroughly saturate the root zone. During periods of high heat or drought, you may need to water more frequently, ensuring that the soil does not dry out completely. In cooler weather or during the dormant winter months, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent root rot.
LightGoat's beard thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It's best to situate the plant in a location that receives dappled sunlight or light shade for most of the day, as too much direct sun can scorch the foliage. The ideal spot would be under the canopy of tall trees or on the north side of a building where it will receive protection from the intense afternoon sun.
TemperatureGoat's beard is cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures down to around -20°F, making it suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7. It performs best in temperatures ranging between 60°F to 75°F. Extreme heat, particularly temperatures consistently above 80°F, can stress the plant, so it's important to provide adequate shade and moisture during hot spells.
PruningGoat's beard should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and to shape the plant, which encourages denser foliar growth. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged stems and cut back the entire plant by about one-third to promote fresh, vigorous growth. Prune every year to maintain a tidy appearance and to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGoat's Beard 'Sparkles' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7. A mixture of loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand can provide the proper drainage and aeration. It is important to ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support the plant's growth.
RepottingGoat's Beard 'Sparkles' does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years. When the plant shows signs of becoming root-bound or the soil has degraded, it is time to repot in a slightly larger container with fresh soil.
Humidity & MistingGoat's Beard 'Sparkles' prefers a moderate humidity level, similar to its native woodland environment. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant can help maintain healthy humidity levels without the need for additional measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Goat's Beard 'Sparkles' in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Goat's Beard 'Sparkles' in partial shade, moist soil, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Aruncus 'Sparkles', commonly known as Dwarf Goat's Beard, begins with seed germination that typically occurs in early to mid-spring in appropriate soil conditions with sufficient moisture. Following germination, the plant undergoes a vegetative growth stage, producing a clump of finely divided, fern-like leaves. As it matures into the flowering stage in early summer, it develops creamy-white, feathery plumes that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed by wind or wildlife, potentially establishing new plants nearby. In autumn, Aruncus 'Sparkles' experiences senescence where leaves may turn yellow and die back as the plant enters dormancy for the winter. With the return of favorable spring weather, the plant resumes growth from its perennial rootstock, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the plant known as Aruncus 'Sparkles', commonly referred to as Goat's beard, is through division. This is ideally done in early spring or late autumn when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, divide the root clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least a couple of growing points or buds. Replant the divisions at the same soil depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 cm) apart to provide enough room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This approach allows the plant to recover quickly and continue its growth with minimal stress.
