Goat’s beard has a clump-forming growth habit with toothed, oval leaves.
The species isdioecious, meaning it has distinct male and female plants.
In warmer locations, it should be grown in partial shade.
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And it especially should be protected from strong afternoon sun.
Too much sun can result in leaf burn.
Soil
This plant loves loamy, organically rich soil.
It can tolerate a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH.
When planting, amend the soil with compost and peat moss.
Besides increasing soil richness, this also will help the soil to retain more water.
Water
Goat’s beard prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil.
Even a brief drought can damage the plant and potentially kill it.
Temperature and Humidity
This perennial likes temperate conditions.
And it will struggle in hot, humid weather.
During heat spells, be extra diligent about providing it with adequate moisture.
This is often all you need for healthy growth.
If you have poor soil, you could apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
Place the pot in a shady spot to brighten it up.
Choose a container that can hold a 6-foot-high plant unless you choose dwarf varieties.
Overwintering
Within its hardiness zones, goat’s beard doesn’t require any additional winter protection.
The spent flower stalks on goat’s beard can remain on the plant over winter for visual interest.
Cut the stems down close to the ground in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
How Long Does Goat’s Beard Bloom?
Goats beard blooms can last 10 days.
What Do Goat’s Beard Flowers Look and Smell Like?
But too much sun or under watering can cause issues.
Brown Leaf Edges
Be on the lookout for the rare problem of crispy brown leaf edges.
Amend dry soil with organic matter to retain moisture.
This perennial slowly spreads from undergroundrhizomesto create a small stand or patch of plants.
However, it is not considered a prolific spreader.
Goat’s beard tolerates full shade and moist soil without much fuss.
Then, apply a compost mulch to protect the plants from harsh weather.
Goatsbeard, Aruncus dioicus.University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension.
