General Culture:

Best grown in moist, fertile, organically rich soils in full sun to part shade. Foliage decline can occur rapidly if soils are permitted to dry out. With consistent moisture, it performs well in full sun in the northern portions of its growing range. It prefers part shade in the southern part of its growing range. Removing faded flower stalks will not prolong bloom, but may improve plant appearance, particularly if a ground cover look is desired. On the other hand, flower stalks may be left in place to enjoy the continuing ornamental effect of the dried seed plumes. Plants can be slow to establish. ‘Misty Lace’ reportedly performs better than most varieties of Aruncus in the hot and humid conditions of the Deep South through at least USDA Zone 7b.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

‘Misty Lace’ is a compact variety of goat’s beard developed by Allan Armitage of the University of Georgia. It is a hybrid between Aruncus dioicus and Aruncus aethusifolius, and is distinguished by having an intermediate habit between the two species. Fern-like, bi- to tri- pinnately compound, dark green leaves on dark red stems form an attractive astilbe-like foliage mound. Elongate terminal and axillary panicles (each to 7” long) of tiny, creamy white flowers rise well above the foliage mound in late spring (May-June in St. Louis) to a height of 18-22” tall. U. S. Plant Patent PP15,798 was issued on June 14, 2005.