Overview:
Astilbes are long-blooming, plume-like flowers in soft shades of white, pink and red. The flowers are held on tall, stiff stalks, above the airy foliage. Astilbes are one of the easiest perennial flowers to grow, but they give a high return. Virtually pest free, they can light up the shade garden or soften a sunny spot.
Description:
- Leaves: Foliage is deeply lobed, almost fern-like and airy.
- Flowers: Feathery plumes of flower clusters are born on tall stalks above the foliage. Flowers come in shades of white, pink, and red. Flowers stay in bloom several weeks and slowly fade in color as they dry.
Latin Name:
Astilbe
Common Name(s): False Spiraea, Meadowsweet
USDA Zone:
USDA Zones 4-8
Size:
1 - 4' (H) x 1--3' (W)
Exposure:
Full Sun / Partial Shade. Astilbe will bloom in shade, but the plants prefer some sunlight to achieve their full size. However, in hot weather and dry soils, their foliage will burn.
Bloom Period/Days to Harvest:
Late Spring/Summer. The plumes remain in flower for several weeks and continue to look good as they fade and dry on the plant.
Growing Notes:
Soil: Astilbe prefer a slightly rich, moist soil. The warmer the weather, the more moisture they need, especially in full sun.
Pests & Problems: Astilbes are virtually trouble free, bothered by few diseases or insects.
Maintenance: Extremely little maintenance is required. No staking or deadheading is necessary. The flower heads will dry on the plant and remain attractive for many months.
The flowers can be cut whenever they start to look ragged or left up for winter interest and cut back in the spring.
Divide every 4-5 years, to keep the plants healthy.
Design Tips:
Great long-lasting color for shade or partly sunny borders. Provides a nice textural contrast to plants with large, broad leaves like Heuchera, Hostas, and Ligularia. Astible can also be grown in containers.
Suggested Varieties:
A. arendsii 'Bridal Veil' - Mid to late season bloomer with full white plumes (3')
A. arendsii 'Fanal' - blooms early with blood red flowers on bronze foliage (1' - 2')
A. arendsii 'Rheinland' - Another early bloomer in a rich pink, very hardy (2- 3')
A. chinensis taquetii 'Purple Candles' - Deep purple, chenille-like plumes ( 3'- 4')
