Product Description
Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' PP30242 (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Goat's Beard
This new Goatsbeard is an appropriate size for tucking into places in your shade garden. 'Fairy Hair' produces sprays of creamy, triangular flower plumes that age to a darker color. Its foliage adds a whimsical touch to the garden with its needle-like, medium green leaves. Although the foliage is incredibly dissected, it produces a thick, substantial clump for a solid presence. Goatsbeard is similar in appearance to Astilbe in the garden, but it is more drought tolerant.
Though Aruncus tends to be a slow-grower the first couple of seasons, once it is established it puts on a fabulous show year after year. Make sure it has plenty of room to grow when you first plant it; transplanting this species is a very difficult task. This species is native to North America.
Goat's Beard grows best in moist, humus-rich soils. In northern climates, it can be grown in full sun if provided with adequate moisture. In southern zones, however, it prefers partial or full shade. When grown in deep shade, plants tend to have a more open habit and bloom sparsely. Insects and diseases don't seem to bother this plant.
Height: 20.0-24.0 Inches
Spread: 20.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7
Flower Color: White Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun to Full Shade
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer - Midsummer
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Mass Planting
Imagine a plant that brings the ethereal beauty of a fairy garden to your own backyard. Aruncus 'Fairy Hair', a captivating perennial also known as Goatsbeard, does just that. With its delicate, finely-cut foliage and graceful plumes of creamy white flowers, this dwarf variety is a true gem for gardening enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide will explore the characteristics, care requirements, uses, and propagation of Aruncus 'Fairy Hair', providing you with the knowledge to successfully cultivate this enchanting plant in your garden.
Characteristics of Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' stands out due to its compact size and finely textured foliage. While other Aruncus varieties can reach towering heights, 'Fairy Hair' typically grows to a modest 20-24 inches tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or those seeking to add delicate texture to confined spaces. The foliage is a deep green and boasts a lacy, fern-like appearance that adds a soft, airy touch. In early summer, the plant produces an abundance of creamy white flower plumes that rise above the foliage, creating a stunning contrast. These plumes, reaching 20-24 inches in height, gradually mature to a deeper ivory color, adding further interest to the display. The flowers are not only beautiful but also attract beneficial pollinators like bees. As a North American native species, 'Fairy Hair' is well-suited to a variety of garden settings.
It is worth noting that Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' can be a bit challenging to transplant once established, so it is best to choose its location carefully. Here is a summary of the key characteristics of Aruncus 'Fairy Hair':
- Compact size: 20-24 inches tall and wide
- Flower plume size: 20-24 inches tall
- Finely textured, deep green foliage
- Creamy white flower plumes that mature to ivory
- Blooms in early summer
- Attracts bees
- Deer resistant
- North American native species
- Difficult to transplant
Care Requirements for Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in shade or partial shade. It prefers moist, organically rich, well-drained soil but can tolerate some drought once established. In northern climates, it can even be grown in full sun if provided with adequate moisture. However, in southern zones, it is best to provide some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. 'Fairy Hair' prefers consistently moist soil and can adapt to clay soil conditions. It also prefers acidic soil.
While it may take a season to get established, Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' is a long-lived perennial that requires minimal care. Trimming spent flowers in midsummer can encourage rebloom, extending the enjoyment of its delicate flowers. Here is a breakdown of the care requirements for Aruncus 'Fairy Hair':
- Light: Shade or partial shade
- Soil: Moist, organically rich, well-drained, acidic soil
- Tolerates clay soil
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot periods
- Fertilizer: Not generally required, but can benefit from compost or a balanced fertilizer
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flower plumes to prevent self-seeding and maintain a tidy appearance
- Trim spent flowers in midsummer to encourage rebloom
- Growth Rate: May take a season to get established, but is long-lived
- Dividing: Can be divided every few years to maintain vigor, but division can be difficult due to tough roots
Uses for Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. Its compact size makes it ideal for borders, woodland gardens, and even containers. The attractive foliage and flowers make it a great choice for mass plantings or as a specimen plant. Here are some ideas for using Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' in your garden:
- Borders: Plant along the edge of a shady border to add texture and height.
- Woodland gardens: Combine with other shade-loving plants like hostas, ferns, and heucheras to create a lush, naturalistic setting. Consider pairing it with companions such as Heucherella 'Pumpkin Spice', Heuchera 'Electric Plum', Hosta 'Autumn Frost', Pulmonaria 'Twinkle Toes', Tiarella 'Cutting Edge', or Tradescantia AMETHYST KISS™.
- Containers: Grow in a pot on a shady patio or balcony.
- Mass plantings: Create a dramatic effect by planting a large group of 'Fairy Hair' together.
- Specimen plant: Highlight its unique beauty by planting it as a standalone feature in the garden.
Propagation While Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' can be propagated through division, it is important to note that this can be challenging due to the plant's tough root system. If you choose to divide the plant, do so in spring or fall, taking care to minimize damage to the roots.
Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' is a charming and versatile perennial that is a delightful addition to any shade garden. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces or as a delicate accent in larger gardens. The finely textured foliage and graceful flower plumes provide long-lasting interest, as the foliage remains attractive throughout the season even after the flowers fade. As a more drought-tolerant alternative to Astilbe, 'Fairy Hair' is a valuable choice for gardeners in various climates. With its low-maintenance nature and captivating beauty, Aruncus 'Fairy Hair' is an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. Why not bring a touch of fairy magic to your garden by cultivating this enchanting perennial?
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3in deep x 2in wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
