'Misty Lace' Goatsbeard

We had another very strong weekend at the Holiday Lights Show (HLS) with five nights remaining (Dec. 22, 23, 26, 27 and 28).  The weather might be a bit damp these next two nights but the show should still look great.  With the holiday season upon us, we had a small turnout today.  We saw Vern, Dave, Jim, Maury, Pat, Big John, Bill O., Rollie and Dr. Gredler in the morning.  Larry had some morning projects and returns tonight to work the HLS.  I'm finishing up some "end of year" projects and continue to chip away at the 2015 seed catalogs.

This blog is dedicated to one of my favorite, relatively new, perennials.  The 'Misty Lace' goatsbeard (Aruncus hybrida) has done very well for us and offers the nice, late spring, wispy white blooms.  This selection only reaches 30" in height so is a good "smaller statured substitute" for the standard goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) which can reach heights around 60" or so.  Like all goatsbeards, moist, well-drained soils are preferred.  This selection has done well in full sun with ample moisture and tolerates part shade as well.  The flowers transition from narrow plumes to a fuller look as they progress past peak (see bottom photo).  The flower "effect" goes on for almost 8 weeks and sometimes beyond.  There are some other exciting new compact goatsbeards out there that allow for "mid-height" impact in the partly shaded border or moist, sunny location!