Astilbe
Garden astilbe, False spiraea
- Height × spread
- 0.15m – 1.5m × 0.3m – 1.5m
- Position
- All conditions
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Stunning summer border plant with frothy plumes in red, pink or white, rising boldly above attractive green, sometimes brown foliage. It's really useful for adding long lasting colour and interest in the garden. There's a range of sizes, from 20-30cm for the front of borders up to large specimen plants standing over a metre tall.
- Flower colour
- Brown, Grey, Lilac, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White
- Foliage colour
- Brown, Green, Red, Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Brown, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Column, Cone, Cube, Dome
- Height
- 0.15m – 1.5m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Shady court, Scented garden, Rock garden, Prairie garden, Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Coloured stems, Rabbit resistant
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn - late · Planting
Divide every 3 years
Physically divide clumps every three years, or the plant will flower and grow less well. Discard or give away unwanted portions, or replant them to make a larger display. Plants can sometimes take a while to recover from this procedure.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Found in
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Astilbe 'Sprite'
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