Height:

10.0 Inches

Spread:

12.0-16.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Pink shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Summer Early Fall

Attracts Wings:

Bee Friendly

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Rain Garden Rock Garden Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Fragrant Flowers Ground Cover

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Astilbes are long-lived perennials that are most comfortable when grown in rich soil and light shade to filtered sun. They will grow in full shade, but will not bloom as prolifically there.

Though they are easy to grow, Astilbes have one critical requirement--lots of water. Plants must have consistently moist soil; dryness leads to a quick demise, especially in sun. Increase watering as the foliage emerges and the plumes mature. If the soil dries out, the leaves will develop brown, crispy margins and will begin to drop.

Fertilize Astilbes in late spring before flowering starts. Wait to cut back the old foliage until spring; it will help protect the plant from winter damage. In the spring, if the crown has risen above soil level, gently press it back into the ground and apply some organic matter around the plant. Plants should be divided in early spring every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

Growing Temperature:

55-60° F

Holding Temperature:

45-55° F

Soil PH:

5.8-6.2

EC (What is EC?):

1.5-2.5 pour through method

Fertility:

Feed 75-125 ppm N at each watering.

For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.

Vernalization:

Required cold for 10-12 weeks at 40° F or below.

Pests & Diseases:

Japanese beetle, whiteflies (in greenhouse), tarnished plant bug, water stress injury.

Bacterial blights, powdery mildew(Erisyphe), wilt (Fusarium)

Potting & Timing:

Begin growing plants cool at 55-60° F for the first week. Increase temperature to speed flowering or lower temperature to delay flowering.

Moisture:

Astilbe require frequent irrigation. If plants dry out, their foliage turns irreversibly brown and crispy, thereby rendering them unsaleable. The most critical growing factor for Astilbe is water. Increase watering as the foliage emerges and plumes mature. Plants should never be allowed to dry out. If the margins of the leaves turn brown and crispy, the plants are not being kept moist enough. Try to avoid watering after mid-afternoon. Shading (shade cloth) will also help reduce stress on the plants.

Planting Level:

Eyes should be just below soil surface.

PGRs/Pinching:

If needed apply Sumagic (Uniconazole) at 5 ppm when flower stems begin to appear above the foliage.

Lighting:

Day neutral

Awards

Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993

Missouri Botanical Garden Emeritus Plants of Merit

Fun Facts

The word "Astilbe" probably means "without showiness" in Greek, referring to the original flowers from China. Today's hybrids are definitely showy!

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