False Spires Astilbe
Astilbe is a favorite perennial for cool, moist locations with medium to light shade, and with
deep, rich soil that is high in organic matter. It does not tolerate wet winters well without adequate drainage, and will not take summer drought. It performs well in deep shade but accepts full sun if watered deeply and often. Space plants 1 to 2 feet apart.
Astilbe offers glossy, dark green foliage and fluffy plumes of white, pink, lavender, or red flowers on erect or arching stems. The tiny flowers are produced in great quantities, and the effect is delicate and feathery. It blooms in June and July.
The leaves are divided and compound. Sometimes tinged with bronze, they resemble a fern and are always lush and refined. The foliage forms bushy mounds rarely exceeding 2 feet in height; the flowers often reach another 12 to 18 inches. Most flower heads are erect and pyramidal; others arch gracefully.
Astilbe will gradually spread as clumps expand. A heavy feeder, it will deplete the soil and flower less as the years go by; but division every 3 or 4 years will rejuvenate the flowering. The plant is restrained in growth, not invasive, and long-lived.
