Astilbe 'Ostrich Plume' ('Straussenfeder') |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Astilbe-Tall Japanese
Common Name (Alternative): Thunberg's Astilbe |
- Rich coral-rose, arching plumes are very large, open, and drooping; very different than typical astilbe flowers
- Blooms are presented on tall stems above the glaucous foliage
- Blooms in midsummer
- Absolutely magnificent when full grown, especially when sited near a water feature
A member of: Astilbe x thunbergii (Tall Japanese Astilbe/Thunberg's Astilbe). A group of late blooming hybrids with distinctive, open, nodding flower clusters held on tall stems above glaucous foliage.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
30 Inches
Spread:
24-28 Inches
Flower Color:
Peach shades
Pink shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Full shade (< 4 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Consistent water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Medium
When should it bloom?:
Midsummer
How's your soil?:
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Woodland/Shade
Eclectic
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.
The word "Astilbe" probably means "without showiness" in Greek, referring to the original flowers from China. Today's hybrids are definitely showy!