Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus 'Zweiweltenkind')
Aruncus dioicus 'Zweiweltenkind' is a compact Goatsbeard, offering creamy white plumes in moist, rich soils, ideal for low-maint gardens.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ offers gardeners a valuable, more scaled-down version of the dramatic native Goatsbeard. This herbaceous perennial maintains the species’ airy elegance while staying compact, making it suitable for borders where the larger species might overwhelm. Its dramatic, plume-like flower spikes create a bold textural display when they emerge in late spring or early summer.
This cultivar thrives best when cultural needs are closely met, specifically requiring consistently moist, fertile soil to maintain its lush habit. While the species is native to woodland environments, Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ offers flexibility, tolerating full sun if moisture is ample, particularly in cooler climates. It provides excellent vertical accent while requiring surprisingly low maintenance once established.
The appeal of Goatsbeard lies in its combination of fine, fern-like foliage and those striking creamy white blooms. For gardeners seeking shade or woodland structure without the fuss associated with some perennials, Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ is an outstanding, reliable choice for adding movement and light texture to the garden composition.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-2.5 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: Creamy white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ is easiest in the spring or early fall, allowing the root system time to settle before summer heat or winter cold arrives. Choose a location where the soil is organically rich, fertile, and consistently moist. While this Goatsbeard tolerates full sun in northern regions, southern gardeners should prioritize part shade to prevent scorch and rapid dehydration.
Ongoing care focuses heavily on managing moisture. Foliage decline is a quick indicator that the soil has dried out excessively, so maintain medium to wet conditions, especially during dry spells. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is rich; incorporate compost at planting time to build long-lasting fertility. Pruning is minimal; removing faded flower stalks can tidy the appearance if a neater look is desired, but many gardeners leave the dried plumes on female plants for winter interest.
Be prepared; plants can be slow to establish, sometimes taking a year or two to reach their full potential size and vigor. If you live where summers are hot and humid, watch for signs of stress, as this variety may struggle slightly under those specific conditions compared to cooler, temperate sites.
Landscape Uses
Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ excels where moisture is plentiful, making streamsides, bog gardens, or damp woodland borders perfect settings. Its refined, compact structure allows it to function beautifully as an edging plant or a substantial ground cover, a unique application for this genus. The height of this variety makes it versatile, stepping up as a transition plant between low ground covers and taller background shrubs.
Unlike the towering species, this cultivar fits well into layered perennial borders, providing mid-level texture that contrasts nicely against broad-leaved hostas or deep green ferns. Plant Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ in drifts of odd numbers to maximize the visual impact of its creamy white plumes against shady backdrops.
Consider pairing this Goatsbeard with plants that share similar moisture requirements but offer contrasting foliage shapes or colors. Its upright form is an excellent counterpoint to mounding plants like Hellebores or ground-hugging Vinca minor located at the perimeter of a moist border area.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aruncus dioicus, commonly called goat’s beard, is a Missouri native plant which occurs in moist woodlands and along bluffs in the central and southeast part of the State. This rose family member is somewhat similar in appearance to astilbe, though the species typically reaches 4-6’ tall with showy, plume-like spikes of tiny, cream colored flowers. The cultivar ‘Zweiweltenkind’ (sometimes described in translation as ‘Child of Two Worlds’) is specifically bred to be a compact variety of goat’s beard, typically reaching only about 30 inches in height.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Goatsbeard generally earns a reputation for being very pest and disease resistant, meaning you should not expect serious problems from insects or common fungal infections. The main potential issue noted is some minor susceptibility to leaf spot, usually appearing in very humid or persistently wet conditions where air circulation is poor. To prevent leaf spot, ensure adequate spacing between plants when installing Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ to promote healthy airflow around the foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Goatsbeard suitable for?
This specific cultivar, Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’, is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Goatsbeard grow?
Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ reaches a modest height of 2 to 2.5 feet, with a spread between 1.5 and 2 feet wide.
When does Goatsbeard bloom?
You can expect the creamy white, plume-like flowers of Goatsbeard to appear during the late spring to early summer window, typically from May to June.
What sun exposure does Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ need?
For best performance and moisture retention, Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ prefers a location that provides full sun to partial shade, adjusting the requirement based on local climate intensity.
Conclusion
Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ is a must-have plant for gardeners wrestling with damp, shaded areas who desire architectural interest without excessive upkeep. Its compact habit relative to the species makes this Goatsbeard an exceptionally useful, low-maintenance perennial. Before finalizing your garden design, confirm your soil conditions can meet the medium to wet needs of this beautiful plant before planting time.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’, prioritize plants that enjoy similar moisture regimes—medium to wet soil and partial to deep shade. Hostas with blue or variegated foliage create exceptional contrast against the fine texture and green color of the Goatsbeard. Ferns, particularly shade-lovers like Japanese Painted Ferns or Wood Ferns, naturally integrate well, amplifying the woodland aesthetic. Consider adding Brunnera macrophylla (‘Jack Frost’ or other cultivars) for silvery foliage that brightens dark corners. This collective grouping creates a beautiful, layered tapestry that thrives in moist woodland garden settings.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation for Aruncus dioicus ‘Zweiweltenkind’ involves clearing away any old winter debris and ensuring the soil around the clump is enriched with a fresh layer of compost to support heavy summer growth and moisture retention. As summer progresses, rigorous watering is critical; if the plant shows signs of wilting or leaf burn, increase irrigation immediately, perhaps even daily during extreme heat waves. Late summer or early fall is a good time to assess the plant’s size; if overcrowding occurs, this is the best period for division, as the slower-growing roots recover better before winter sets in. Minimal winter attention is needed; merely ensure the roots are insulated by leaf litter if your winter sees prolonged frozen dry spells.
