Aruncus dioicus ‘Kneiffii’ (16/06/2014, Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye, Scotland)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Early summer
Soil: Moist, poorly drained
Eventual Height: 90cm
Eventual Spread: 90cm
Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Rosaceae
Aruncus dioicus ‘Kneiffii’ is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves are bipinnate and are deeply cut. The species is a dioecious plant. Its cream/ white flowers appear as plumes of male flowers.
Aruncus dioicus ‘Kneiffii’ Flower (16/06/2014, Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye, Scotland)
The species Aruncus dioicus, commonly known as Goat’s Beard or Bride’s Feathers, is native to temperate Europe and Asia and east and west North America. In its native habitat it grows in moist woodlands.
The etymological root of the binomial name Aruncus is from the Latin meaning ‘Goat’s Beard’. Dioicus is derived from the Latin meaning ‘dioecious’.
The landscape architect may find Aruncus dioicus ‘Kneiffii’ useful as an attractive perennial suitable for wet soils. This perennial is suitable for rain gardens.
Ecologically, Aruncus dioicus ‘Kneiffii’ flowers are attractive to polinating insects.
Aruncus dioicus ‘Kneiffii’ Leaf (16/06/2014, Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye, Scotland)
The Royal Horticultural Society has given the species Aruncus dioicus their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Aruncus dioicus ‘Kneiffii’ prefers moist, fertile, poorly drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate wet soils.
Aruncus dioicus ‘Kneiffii’ requires little maintenance. To keep a tidy appearance the flower heads may be cut back after flowering. Large clumps may be divided in spring or autumn.
