The Low-Maintenance Perennial Flower That Thrives In Shady Yards

Just because you have a shady yard doesn't mean it has to be bare. Although many plant species thrive when given ample sunlight, there are plenty of shade-lovers that are happiest in the cooler, darker areas of your garden. One notable option is goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus). Particularly, the Proven Winners cultivar 'Chantilly Lace' is a hybrid plant with airy, plume-like clusters of tiny white flowers atop tall stems. It's the perfect perennial for gardeners who are looking to add more texture and movement to shady spots with minimal maintenance.

Goatsbeard is a popular specimen plant known for its feathery blooms and fern-like foliage, but it can take up a lot of space in the garden. 'Chantilly Lace' is a more compact hybrid that offers the same charm as its parent plant but in a more manageable size. While traditional goatsbeard can grow up to 6 feet tall, 'Chantilly Lace' stays closer to 2 or 3 feet. This low-maintenance beauty is deer-resistant and tolerant of wet areas. When in bloom, its pretty flowers will attract pollinators to your garden, while its showy foliage remains attractive from spring through fall.

Because 'Chantilly Lace' looks striking even when not in bloom, it's an incredibly versatile pick for shady gardens. Its textured, fern-like foliage paired with its soft, creamy plumes makes this plant an excellent choice as a specimen. If you're working with a larger space, consider grouping several together to create eye-catching borders or mass plantings. 'Chantilly Lace' has a mounded growth habit, offering a full, rounded shape that works well for adding some height near shorter species or filling gaps in layered garden beds.

As a North American native, this goatsbeard hybrid fits right in with native and pollinator-friendly gardens. Its blooms appear in late spring to early summer, attracting butterflies and bees while brightening shady spaces as some flowers start to fade. Tuck it under tree canopies, near tall structures, or in any areas of your yard where sunlight is limited. 'Chantilly Lace' also thrives in containers in the shade, whether you want to feature it on its own or use it as a filler plant. Pair it with other shade-loving companions like hostas, ferns, or hellebores in pots or north-facing beds.

With its low-maintenance qualities, 'Chantilly Lace' is one of the easiest plants to grow for beginner gardeners. You can grow it in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7 in nearly any area of your garden. While it thrives when planted in a spot with partial to full shade, especially in southern zones, it can handle a little more light in northern regions with cooler summers. Plant it in a container or bed with humus-rich soil.

Goatsbeard loves moisture, making it a great addition to water or rain gardens. It becomes more drought-tolerant as it establishes, though you should never let the soil dry out completely. As long as its basic needs are met, this stunning plant won't ask much of you. Fertilizer isn't necessary, but you can give it a light feeding at the beginning of the growing season if desired. And, it's one perennial you should avoid dividing at all costs. Although pruning isn't needed to encourage blooms or growth, removing spent flower stalks or unattractive foliage can help keep the area tidy. In late fall, cut the stems to the ground to help your plant overwinter and return strong in the spring.