Whirlwind Goatsbeard
Aruncus dioicus 'Whirlwind'
Plant Height: 20 inches
Flower Height: 3 feet
Spread: 30 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 3a
Other Names: Cutleaf Goatsbeard, Goats Beard
Description:
This variety has a very graceful habit with finely dissected foliage, and creamy white flowering panicles; a durable and long lived accent plant; full sun in cool summer enviroments, partial shade elsewhere
Ornamental Features
Whirlwind Goatsbeard has masses of beautiful panicles of white flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to mid summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its deeply cut ferny compound leaves remain emerald green in colour throughout the season.
Landscape Attributes
Whirlwind Goatsbeard is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Whirlwind Goatsbeard is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
- Groundcover
- Bog Gardens
Planting & Growing
Whirlwind Goatsbeard will grow to be about 20 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 30 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
