Aruncus ‘Horatio’

Goatsbeard Rosaceae

A rather splendid goat’s beard, and one that proves that subtlety need not mean shrinking violet. ‘Horatio’ is a hybrid raised by the celebrated German nurseryman Ernst Pagels, the result of crossing the diminutive Aruncus aethusifolius with the much larger A. dioicus. The result is a beautifully balanced plant: substantial enough to make an impression, but without the tendency of the species to become a botanical skyscraper. 

From bronzy-red stems rise airy, horizontally splaying plumes of tiny creamy-white flowers in early to midsummer, gradually ageing through cream to warm brown. Beneath them, finely divided fresh-green foliage forms a handsome mound before developing rich red and copper tones in autumn. Excellent in a woodland edge, herbaceous border or beside water, provided the soil does not become parched. A particularly useful Pagels introduction for adding lightness without flimsiness.

Height: 90–120cm
Spread: 60–75cm
Flowering: June–July
Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)

Breeder: Ernst Pagels, Germany; hybrid of Aruncus aethusifolius × A. dioicus.