Found mainly in temperate East Asia, this perennial gnus of the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae) includes just 12 species but has been extensively selected and hybridized to produce many garden plants. The shiny toothed leaves sprout directly from the plant's fleshy stem and soon form a generous foliage clump. Striking long-stemmed plumes of tiny flowers appear during spring and summer in colors ranging from white to shades of pink, mauve, and red. Surprisingly, given their showy nature, the genus name Astilbe actually means without brilliance, coming from the Greek a (without) and stilbe (brilliance). That is because, although the flowersheads are bright, each flower on its own is tiny and rather dull.
CULTIVATION
Astilbe plants are not drought tolerant nor do they thrive in the hot summer sun; instead they prefer light, moist, humus-rich woodland soil and dappled sunlight. They often thrive around pond margins as they tolerate being waterlogged, especially in winter. To propagate, divide clumps in winter when dormant, then replant immediately.
Top Tip
Astilbe flowers can be cut and used in fresh flower arrangements, but they do not last long. Fore more satisfying results, bring some indoors as pot plants when the flowers are at their best.
CULTIVATION
Astilbe plants are not drought tolerant nor do they thrive in the hot summer sun; instead they prefer light, moist, humus-rich woodland soil and dappled sunlight. They often thrive around pond margins as they tolerate being waterlogged, especially in winter. To propagate, divide clumps in winter when dormant, then replant immediately.
Top Tip
Astilbe flowers can be cut and used in fresh flower arrangements, but they do not last long. Fore more satisfying results, bring some indoors as pot plants when the flowers are at their best.
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