Aruncus dioicus

Germination

Sow under glass or in a cold frame in autumn/winter or sow indoors spring/summer. Easiest to sow under glass. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a sprinkling of soil. Allow natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Indoors sow as before then propagate 13-15°C for 2-3 weeks then cold stratify. Move to 4°C for 3-6 weeks then return to warmth for germination. Germination can be erratic and may not occur until the following spring. Transplant seedlings to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out the following autumn.

Growing

Prefers a moist, fertile soil in full or partial sun.

Cultivation

Propagate by seed or by division in spring. Will self-seed. Cut back after flowering if you do not want volunteer seedlings. In late autumn cut back hard to just above ground level and mulch.