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White Flower Farm - Gardening Begins Here
A very popular summer flowering perennial, the Astilbe is known
for its colorful and feathery plumes. Also commonly called Spirea or the Feather
Flower, Astilbe is considered by many to be one of the most attractive shade
loving plants.
One of the great things about Astilbe is its diversity.
You can find it in reds, yellows, pinks, whites, purples.. The list goes on and
on. The leaves and stems of the Astilbe range from green and bronze to red with
some varieties sporting shiny leaves and others with matte. Size varies from
8"-40" tall!
Although somewhat tolerant of full sun, the Astilbe is truly
a shade lover. It will thrive in partial to full shade. Perfect for a rock
garden, herbaceous border, or in containers, the Astilbe
Astilbe is
fairly easy to grow and is hardy in zones 4-9. They love moisture, so a good
soaking every day or so is recommended. Astilbe grow best in fertile soil that
is rich in organic matter. Depending on the variety, Astilbe bloom between June
and August.
Plant Astilbe in the spring or fall, about 15-25 inches
apart. Well-drained soil is a must, especially in areas with wet winters. They
should be divided every 3-4 years to keep them looking their best.
Not
only is the Astilbe a striking flower, but it has many other qualities that make
it a must have in your garden. One of the big attractions to this particular
perennial is its nice-looking foliage. Even when not in bloom, the Astilbe is
quite attractive. Other redeeming qualities are its appeal to butterflies and
it's lovely dried flowers.