Aruncus aethusifolius

‘Noble Spirit’

DWARF GOAT’S BEARD

Aruncus aethusifolius ‘Noble Spirit’
DWARF GOAT’S BEARD

Aruncus aethusifolius ‘Noble Spirit’ is a sheer delight to have, especially in a small space, or where it can create a feature under taller shrubs and trees.

Excellent value for a long time in small space

Because ‘Noble Spirit’ delights in spring with fine, ferny, delightfully coloured new foliage; then erupts with a mass of  creamy, fine bottle-brush like flowers in summer; and treats with intense, vivid foliage colour in autumn.
I guess the common name of Goat’s Beard comes from the finely furry plumes of flowers. But these must beards of very well manicured goats – because the flowers are very neat and well trimmed beards.

Great little cover in the shade

Aruncus aethusifolius ‘Noble Spirit’ makes a pretty feature in the shade, where the creamy-white flowers and lovely foliage is a highlight.
And it is just the right size to make a low edge, or mass plant as a groundcover under shrubs and trees, or even in a shaded pot.
It prefers Dappled Shade, Morning Sun to Full Shade in all but the coolest districts.

Thrives in clay or heavy soils

Dear little Aruncus aethusifolius ‘Noble Spirit’ is easily pleased in a wide variety of soils.
As long as it has plenty of organic matter and mulch to feed on.
But it is very noble and valiant in heavy soils.
Where it is one of few plants that can tolerate clays and heavy, poorly drained soils, or even having wet feet for part of the year.
Though it is not essential for ‘Noble Spirit’ to be in a wet place – garden loam with mulch will please it well.

Rabbit and deer resistant

Rabbits and deer will generally pass this dainty, pretty foliage by as they head to something more to their taste.

Easy & trouble free

Almost nothing eats or pesters Dwarf Goat’s Beard. Snails are not attracted.
So it is a low maintenance, easy to grow, little plant.
And it is exceptionally frost hardy, able to tolerate frost down to at least -20C.
The only annual maintenance is to cut it back to the base in winter, ready for a new crop of lovely leaves and flowers.

Autumn foliage, and spring growth really are beautiful

SEED SOWING ADVICE:

Sow Aruncus aethusifolius ‘Noble Spirit’ seeds in a punnet indoors at any cooler time of the year / or sow outdoors in winter.

Indoors: First sow the seeds on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then barely cover the seeds with a thin sprinkle of sieved mix or fine grit.

Now thoroughly moisten the punnet by standing it in a shallow water bath and allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

Then place the moist, sown punnet in a cool, well-lit position (not in any direct sunlight) for 2-3 weeks.
Day temperatures of  13-15C are ideal for this preliminary stage.
It is fine if it cools down at night, though not essential.

Continue to keep the punnet moist by misting from a spray water bottle as required.
Covering the punnet with clear plastic, or glass cover helps greatly to maintain consistent moisture and prevent drying out.

Give a pretend winter

Then after 3 weeks, enclose the moist punnet in cling-wrap or a plastic bag and place in the fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks.

Now after the period of chilling, remove from the fridge, moisten again, and place again in a cool, well-lit position (not in any direct sunlight).
Temperatures of 15-20C are best for rapid and optimum germination at this stage.

Seeds germinate in 40 days approx. and seed sprouting is usually staggered.
So some seeds are likely to come later.
Because the staggered germination is a natural trick by the plant to give individual seeds a sporting chance of germinating during favourable conditions
So patience – do not discard the punnet too quickly – more will come later.

Seed Count: 250 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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