Kneiffii Goat's Beard

Kneiffii Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus 'Kneiffii') is a fine textured, shade loving perennial that sends up tall spires of fluffy white flowers each spring. It grows 60 to 90cm tall and 30 to 60cm wide, with deep green, very slender, lacy foliage. It is a smaller and daintier version of the species, ideal for moist, shady spots.

Why you'll love it

• Fluffy white spires. Tall plumes of white flowers rise on straight stems in spring and float above the foliage.
• Delicate, lacy leaves. The deep green foliage is soft, very slender and elongated, much finer than the species.
• A dainty size. Smaller and finer than the species, it fits into a mixed bed or a planter without taking over.
• Happy in damp ground. It loves a moist spot with rich soil, which suits creek banks, pond margins and boggy corners.
• A bee and butterfly attractor. The flower spires draw bees and butterflies into the shade.

Where it works best

Creek banks and pond margins. Plant it where the soil stays damp. The feathery plumes soften the edge of water, and the plant copes with boggy conditions.

Shaded mixed borders. Plant 50cm apart in dappled shade with ferns, hostas and hellebores for a layered woodland effect.

Planters. If your garden soil is poor and dry, a planter filled with rich, moisture holding mix gives the plant the conditions it wants.

Growing Kneiffii Goat's Beard in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled or full shade. It is extremely cold hardy and copes with severe winters, so it suits cool temperate and warm temperate gardens. It may struggle in the humidity of the hot tropical north.

Soil. A moist spot with rich, nutritious soil. Plant, then cover the soil with a good layer of mulch to help regulate soil temperature.

Water and feed. Once planted, water the soil well. Water and feed weekly, or give a good deep water whenever the soil becomes dry.

Pruning. The plant dies back in winter and reappears next spring. Once the old stems have died down, cut them to the ground to make way for fresh growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Kneiffii Goat's Beard as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted into moist soil. It arrives small, and the plumes follow as the clump builds. Our grower supplies the tube, and supply comes and goes. If it shows as sold out, the grower has none right now: press the notify button on the page and we email you the day it returns.

It travels upright. Plant promptly into enriched, moist soil and mulch well after watering in.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants for partial shade
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Plants for cool climates
• Shade gardening: what to plant where

Common questions

Does it like wet soil?

Yes. Goat's beard thrives in a moist spot with rich soil, including creek banks, pond margins and boggy borders. A thick mulch helps keep the roots cool and damp.

Will it flower in shade?

Yes, and it prefers it. Dappled or full shade suits the plant, and the white spires appear in spring.

Does it die down in winter?

Yes. It dies back and reappears next spring, so mark the spot and cut the old stems down once they have finished.