How do you identify Astilbe? Astilbe's poofy flowers stand atop erect stalks rising well above the basal leaves that are similar to the seed stalks of some ornamental grasses, but brightly colored. The finely cut foliage is reminiscent of ferns or plants like columbine, but it is glossy and stiff more than soft and smooth.
Full Answer
What does Astilbe look like?
Astilbes are one of the easiest perennial flowers to grow. They have long-blooming, plume-like flowers in soft shades of white, pink, and red, and the flowers are held on tall, stiff stalks above the airy foliage.
How to take care of astilbes?
1 Remember to regularly check your astilbes to make sure they are moist. ... 2 Astilbes spread quickly and form broad clumps. ... 3 Your astilbes will benefit from a balanced organic fertilizer applied in the spring. ... 4 Be sure to divide the overgrown clumps every 3 to 4 years in the spring. ... More items...
What kind of soil does Astilbe like?
Astilbe Plant Profile Botanical Name Astilbe Sun Exposure Partial shade, full sun Soil Type Loamy Soil pH 6.0 (slightly acidic) Bloom Time Spring to summer 6 more rows ...
What time of year do Astilbe Bloom?
Arendsii bloom from late spring to early fall depending on the variety. The Japanese Astilbe is also known as the Montgomery. It can tolerate both shade and sun conditions as long as the soil is kept moist and temperatures are not too extreme.
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What do astilbes look like?
Growth Habit: Astilbe is a clump-forming perennial with fern-like leaves and tall flower stalks with plume-like flowers. Plants range in size from 1 to 4 feet tall. Astilbe looks best planted in groups and some low growing types make excellent ground covers. The brightly colored flowers last for a few weeks.
What do astilbe flowers look like?
Astilbes brighten shady gardens with their brilliant midsummer color. The plume-like flowers are held high above attractive, deep green foliage. Flower colors vary from white, pink and deep red, through soft lavender and violet. All are attractive to butterflies and beneficial insects.
What are the different types of astilbe?
Astilbe Arendsii GroupFalse buck's beardChinese astilbeFalse goat's beard/Lower classifications
What plant looks like astilbe?
Like astilbe, native goatsbeard, below, thrives in shade and moist soils and blooms in June. The feathery plumes of flowers are white and sway with the breeze.
Should astilbe be cut back in the fall?
Deadheading astilbe won't encourage new flowers, so you should leave them in place through the fall. Eventually, the flowers will dry on the stalks but should stay in place. When winterizing astilbe plants, you can cut all the foliage off, leaving just a 3-inch (7.5 cm) stem above ground.
Do astilbes spread?
Hardy in zones 3 to 8, it can be planted in spring for mid-summer blooms. Most astilbes spread easily, so divide your plants every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to keep them vigorous and healthy.
What is the longest blooming Astilbe?
CattleyaAstilbesCultivarHeight (in.)CommentsCattleya36-40Long bloomingErica30-36Compact trussesEtna24-28Dark foliageFanal24Bronze foliage35 more rows•Jul 14, 2000
What Colours are Astilbe?
Astilbe flowers with fabulous plumes, that can be white, yellow and pale pink, but also lilac, bright pink, red and purple, depending on the variety.
Are astilbes fragrant?
Astilbes are fragrant. The sturdy perennials were just coming into bloom, with their stately plumes of bright pink and deep red. Their scent was subtle, and by the end of the morning, when the sun was high, it was gone.
Are there different sizes of Astilbe?
Native to China, Japan and Korea, there are about 25 species of Astilbes and hundreds of cultivars, some less than 12 in. tall (30 cm) while others can easily reach 4 ft. in height (120 cm) and are better suited for the back of the border.
What is the best white Astilbe?
Astilbe 'Deutschland' (Japonica Hybrid) An excellent Astilbe variety which should be grown in all gardens, Astilbe 'Deutschland' (Astilbe japonica) features masses of luminous, pure white, pyramidal shaped flower plumes which stand out in the night garden.
What is an Astilbe plant?
The Astilbe is a deer-resistant, perennial plant that thrives in shady areas of the garden. Its fluffy plumes look like cotton candy and complement well other shade-tolerant plants like caladiums, hostas, and heucheras. Also, the Astilbe’s frilly, delicate foliage blends perfectly among lacy, verdant ferns.
How big does Astilbe sprite get?
Astilbe Simplicifolia (Astilbe sprite) This dwarf Astilbe grows up to 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Its flowers are a warm, light pink that bow over as they grow taller. And its foliage is a bronze-like color. Like other Astilbe varieties, the simplicifolia Sprite thrives in the shady part of a garden and prefers moist soil.
How tall do Arendsii grow?
Astilbe Arendsii. The Arendsii is a family of hybrid Astilbe. Most varieties of Arendsii prefer moist, well-drained soil. And they grow from 2 to 4 feet tall. Although mostly shade hardy, some Arendsii can tolerate full sun as long as their soil remains moist and the climate is not too hot.
How tall does Astilbe Fanal grow?
Astilbe Fanal. The award-winning Fanal produces dark red flowers and can grow up to 20 inches tall. It thrives all summer in both partial and full shade and prefers moist, nutrient-rich soil that drains well. Its bright color attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
When does the sprite bloom?
Like other Astilbe varieties, the simplicifolia Sprite thrives in the shady part of a garden and prefers moist soil. Its bloom time is late summer to early fall.
When does Astilbe jump and jive bloom?
Astilbe ‘Jump and Jive’. The Jump and Jive begin to bloom in early to mid-summer and produces a dark pink flower. The plant grows up to 18 inches tall with a wide base of up to 24 inches. It prefers moist, rich soil and should be fertilized twice during its growing season.
Is Japanese Astilbe a pollinator?
It can tolerate both shade and sun conditions as long as the soil is kept moist and temperatures are not too extreme. The fragrant, deep magenta flowers attract many pollinators. Also, the plant is easy to maintain and resists predators.
What color are Astilbes?
Astilbes brighten shady gardens with their brilliant midsummer color. The plume-like flowers are held high above attractive, deep green foliage. Flower colors vary from white, pink and deep red, through soft lavender and violet, and all are attractive to butterflies and beneficial insects. Learn how to get the most from these carefree shade-loving ...
When do astilbes bloom?
You may also leave the flowers in place. The faded plumes will usually last until early winter, continuing to adding height and visual interest to your garden. Astilbe are slow to emerge in spring, so you may not see them right away. Watch for the new shoots, which are typically dark red.
How to grow astilbe in a hole?
HOW TO PLANT ASTILBE. Loosen the soil 12” and mix in several handfuls of compost and about ¼ cup of all-purpose granular fertilizer (follow package directions). Put the astilbe in the hole so the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the stem) sits just below the soil line. Cover the roots with soil and water well.
How long do astilbe flowers last?
The blossoms have long, stiff stems that are easy to arrange, and they last for a week in a vase. When the plants are out of bloom, their fernlike foliage is an excellent filler for any summer arrangement.
What is the best grouping for astilbes?
Like most perennials, astilbes look their best in groups of three or more plants of the same color. Weave astilbes among other shade lovers such as hostas and ferns, lady’s mantle and hellebores. The glossy foliage stays neat and fresh-looking throughout the summer and it resists diseases and pests (including slugs and deer).
How tall do astilbes grow?
There are many different astilbes to choose from. Compact varieties grow just 10" high , while others can have 4-foot flower spikes. Smaller astilbes are ideal for tight spaces or the front of a flower border. They also grow well in containers.
Can astilbes grow in full sun?
In cool, northern climates, most astilbe varieties will tolerate full day sun. ZONE: Astilbes are winter hardy in zones 3-8. WHEN TO PLANT Astilbes should be planted in spring, when the soil is cool and moist.
What is an astilbe?
Astilbe is valued for bringing great long-lasting color to part shade borders, where tall colorful flowers are few. In addition, Astilbe provides a nice textural contrast to plants with large, broad leaves such as heuchera, hosta, and Ligularia. Astilbe can also be grown in containers.
Where does Astilbe come from?
The Astilbe genus contains at least 18 perennial species native to Asia and and North America, but the types most common in gardens are cultivars of Chinese astilbe ( Astilbe chinensis) or cultivars of a hybrid known as A. x arendsii , creating by crossing A. chinensis, A. thunbergii and A. astilboides. You can plant Astilbe in either spring ...
What is a vision in red?
A. chinensis 'Visions in Red': Compact plant with bronze foliage and deep red flowers
Do astilbes need water?
Water. The warmer the weather, the more moisture astilbe plants need, especially when situated in full sun. They do not handle prolonged periods of drought well; the leaves will brown and dry, and if left dry too long, the plants will die.
Can astilbes be eaten by rabbits?
Astilbes are virtually trouble-free, bothered by few diseases or insects. The tender, new growth may be nibbled on by groundhogs or rabbits, but once the plants have filled out, they typically don't suffer any long-term damage.
Can Astilbe be grown in full sun?
Astilbe plants grow best in part shade but can also grow in full sun or full shade. Astilbe will bloom in full shade, but the plant s prefer some sunlight to achieve their full size. In hot weather and dry soils, their foliage will burn in full sun; here, some relief from the afternoon sun is mandatory.
How tall are astilbes?
With heights ranging from 6 inches to almost 6 feet, astilbes are a great choice for perennial borders.
What is the name of the feather-like flower that is astilbe?
Astilbes are classified under clade Eudicots, which means that they are closely related to other varieties of feather-like flowers such as Queen’s Anne lace, spirea , and goatsbeard (scientific name, Aruncus dioicus). In fact, some varieties of astilbe are commonly known as false spirea or false goat’s beard owing to the fact that their soft and downy, cone-shaped bunch of flowers somewhat seem like a goat’s beard viewed upside-down.
What is astilbe used for?
These are then used for the treatment of ulcers, skin inflammation, diarrhea, and dysentery as well as for relieving muscle aches. The large and vibrant blooms of astilbe add heaps of color ...
Why are astilbes so popular?
Astilbes are a popular choice amongst both, novice and expert gardeners and for the right reasons too. The fact that they are easy to grow and care for makes them the go-to option for anyone who wants to beautify their garden without having to spend too much time and energy in maintaining it.
How many varieties of Astilbe are there?
There are almost 25 astilbe varieties with over hundreds of hybrids produced so far (and more still being developed today). The article below the most popular ones cultivated in home gardens as well as found abundantly in natural areas.
What is the name of the flower that turns into a seed head?
This species of astilbe is renowned for its plume-like blossoms that transform into striking seed heads by the end of summer.
What is the name of the flower that produces white flowers?
Irrlicht , also called Moonlight astilbe, produces soft and feathery bunches of delicate white flowers that contrast sharply against the background of emerald green leaves. These fancy flowers bloom excessively during springtime but if you cut down the foliage before the season ends, the shrubs will put on a second show when autumn arrives.
What color is Astilbe?
Astilbe comes in varieties including this bright pink color or a soft purple.
What is an astilbe?
Astilbe is a perennial with beautiful, showy flowers atop glossy, fern-like foliage. Here's how to grow and care for astilbes in your garden.
How do astilbes spread?
Astilbes spread quickly and form broad clumps. Their crowns often rise above the soil as they grow, so make sure to cover them with humus-rich soil or lift and replant the clumps.
What type of soil do astilbes prefer?
Astilbes prefer soils that provide average to slightly below average moisture. Make sure your soil drains well and does not puddle or get water-logged in rain. Amend soil, especially clay types, with peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand to improve the drainage. You can plant astilbe seeds, but they are short–lived and difficult to germinate.
When to clip off astilbes?
After blooming has finished for the season, feel free to clip off any spent flower stems. Your astilbes will continue to provide attractive foliage until fall.
Do you water astilbes?
Remember to regularly check your astilbes to make sure they are moist. Water accordingly if rain does not occur. It’s best to water deeply when you water (not everyday sprinkling).
Can you remove astilbes after blooming?
Removing the flower heads will not promote continued flowering. After blooming has finished for the season, feel free to clip off any spent flower stems. Your astilbes will continue to provide attractive foliage until fall.
What color is astilbe?
The foliage varies too, ranging from a deep green to a darker brown tone and everything in between. It’s also incredibly easy to grow.
How long does it take for an astilbe to bloom?
Astilbe is a perennial that blooms for up to three weeks, producing elegant spikes or clusters of flowers.
What type of soil does Astilbe thrive in?
Most varieties can thrive in any soil type, from clay to sand. Regardless of the species or cultivar, all astilbe plants are perennials that thrive in shade and moist soil.
When was the Astilbe plant first grown?
First cultivated in the late 18th century, these plants are the perfect choice for the shade garden, though there are some that can be grown in sunnier conditions as well.
When do Bridal Veil flowers bloom?
Flowers of this species bloom in the early or middle part of the growing season. ‘Bridal Veil’ produces soft vertical plumes of creamy white flowers. The foliage is a glossy green, rising to about 30 inches tall. Plants spread to 18 inches wide.
Is astilbe easy to grow?
It’s also incredibly easy to grow. You can view tips on how to do that in our guide to growing astilbe. With so many gorgeous combinations of foliage and flowers for you to choose from, astilbe is a wonderful addition to the shade garden. Let’s get started:
When does red Sentinel appear?
It offers eye-catching clusters of bright scarlet flowers that appear as early as the beginning of summer in lacy plumes.
How to plant astilbe root?
Bare root planting of astilbe is fairly easy, as long as you remember to keep the roots damp. When you first get the plants , inspect the roots and clip out any that are broken or damaged. The next step is to dig large planting holes.
Where does Astilbe grow?
Astilbe – also known as false spirea – is a popular perennial noted for its beautiful plume-like flowers and fern-like foliage. It grows in shady areas and, in the wild, is found near creeks and ponds. It is usually propagated by root division in spring. Sometimes it is sold bare root at that time. Read on for more information about growing astilbe ...
Can astilbe be shipped?
When you are considering growing astilbe from bare roots, remember that bare root plants are also less likely to be damaged during shipping. Astilbe bare root plants won’t have any leaves or flowers that can be knocked off in transport. Still, bare root planting of astilbe calls for some extra care from a gardener.
Can you plant astilbe without a root ball?
This means that it comes to you without the root ball, and that all the soil it was growing in has been cleaned off the plant. It is ready for astilbe bare root planting. A bare root plant may be sold with its roots wrapped in moist peat moss or shredded newspaper. When you are considering growing astilbe from bare roots, ...
Can you grow astilbe from bare roots?
Astilbe Bare Root Planting. The first thing to remember about growing astilbe from bare roots is to keep the roots moist at all times. You should never allow them to dry out. This is why growers ship the plants with their roots packed in moist material: they dry out very easily.
