Re: Aruncus in deep shade was: Interested In Shade Gardens

I've had three Aruncus in deepish shade about a foot away from the
trunk of a large maple for nearly 17 years now.  They do not get as
tall as they might with more moisture, but they seed around like mad
in the cracks of the adjoining paving - NOT in the bed they're in.
Royal pain in the derrière to get those seedlings out if you let them
go for a bit, may I add:-)

Mine do much better the years that we either have "normal" (what is
that?) rainfall or I water religiously.  Think their survival/thrival
is contingent on getting adequate water to make up for the
competition of tree roots the first couple of years, as these are
deep rooted plants who can put up with drier conditions than they'd
like, once established.

Have others (seedlings of the above lot) in another border where they
get a few rays of late afternoon direct sun and otherwise high
dappled shade - much lighter conditions.  Have noticed no real
difference except height and the deer do their best to keep that in
check.

Now, have no clue how they'd do on the north side of a 12 story
building.

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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----------
> From: Kay Dye <Kdye1@AOL.COM>
> Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2000 8:52 PM
>
> Hank,
> To be honest, I don't know why it grows where I have it either.  It
is on a
> little bit of a raised island around an oak, too, so it gets really
dry.  My
> most beautiful goatsbeard is growing in part sun, also.  I guess if
you have
> a really shady area and like to experiment, you could give it a
try.  Mine
> are beginning to send a few seedlings around.  Anyone else notice
this?
> Kay Dye, Zone 5
>
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