Aruncus: A Pollinator-Friendly Perennial for Dry Shade

Gardening in dry shade is challenging! Which is why I wholeheartedly vouch for Aruncus, or goatsbeard, and its ability to shrug off drought, attract pollinators and make the most of a very dry situation in my garden. That's exactly what it's done for four years and counting in my dry shade garden! And with no drip irrigation! That's really saying something.
Its foliage looks incredibly similar to astilbe too. I LOVE astilbe but it requires consistently moist soil and a devoted gardener. I am neither of those. After the settling in period in my garden, which is about three weeks (maybe longer for plants competing with tree roots) of consistent watering to develop a strong root system, they're on their own.
I don't have an irrigation system either, so once you see just where I have Aruncus 'Chantilly Lace' planted, you'll understand just how rock solid this astilbe look-alike is.
Hi there! My name is Heather and I garden in zone 5B, recently changed to 6a, in the southwest suburbs of Chicago on a small residential lot. My garden lives a whole lot larger than it is and I love sharing tips and tricks, as well as plenty of mistakes, with others who love to play in the dirt.
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#dryshade #shadegarden #goatsbeard #aruncus

[@ginafriend1690]

You look cute! 👍 on hat. Astilbe grows without any attention in my landscaping areas. They do grow large.

[@heatherhereshegrows]

I underestimated just how big it would get.

[@carolyncunningham4315]

I can’t keep astilbe alive either, super dry shade under spruce trees. Will look for the aruncus, thanks for the video.

[@heatherhereshegrows]

I gave up on astilbe too. Would love to know how Aruncus does for you.

[@susanschellberg4509]

I have a lot of wet shady areas so astillbe thrives but might want to dry aruncus in a dry shade area.

[@heatherhereshegrows]

Definitely worth a go imo!

[@denisea3036]

looks just like astillbe. What is the tree behind you at the beginning ?

[@heatherhereshegrows]

It’s an Ivory Silk tree lilac, multi-stem

[@paulprovenzanotelejug7877]

How are the flies on the blooms? I have Sorbaria Sem and it’s similar blooms are terrible for attracting all kinds of flies, not just the solitary bees or butterflies.

[@heatherhereshegrows]

I’ve never noticed any flies around it and I’ve had it for several years. That’s interesting about the Sorbaria. I planted Mr. Mustard last year and it will flower for the first time this year. Curious to see who shows up. Thanks for the info!