Astilbe - the solution to your shady spot !

Jul 27

Description

An amazing genus of 18 species of perennial flowering plants native to woodlands in Asia and North America. They all die back to the ground in the fall but return to life and bloom again every year. Most in late Spring, but some varieties bloom later into the summer. They all have beautiful fern-like foliage.

Astilbe japonica and A. arendsii are the most commonly used species in gardens. These are early-to-mid summer bloomer with dense, pyramidal flower plumes. They form tight clumps that grow larger every year.

Chinese astilbe (A. chinensis) are more fast-spreading, almost like a groundcover. They bloom later than the arendsii hybrids and are more sun, heat and drought tolerant.

A. rivularis is a giant at 6’, it is also quite fragrant!

Environment

This plant prefers partial sun to partial shade in moist acidic soil. Under trees and shrubs or wherever grass won’t grow is the perfect spot. In full shade, flowering will be reduced.

It is possible to grow it in full sun as long as it gets some shade in the afternoon - It dislikes hot summer climates.

Flowers

Lovely feathery plumes extending above the foliage in shades of pink, red, or white and appear in late spring and early summer. Usually several per plant. Some species have a strong and pleasant aroma.

Astilbe makes a great addition to a butterfly and bee garden for its long-lasting flowers.

Plant Problems

They require consistent moisture but if the soil is too wet - they will develop diseases like root rot or Fusarium/Rhizoctonia wilt. They dislike alkaline soil !

Most importantly, they will not bloom well if not fertilized or if exposed to too much direct sunlight.

Care

Easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soil in full shade to part shade - needs lots of fertilizer for adequate blooming.

Ethnobotany

Some species, including Astilbe rivularis, are used in traditional medicine. Its rhizome has been used to treat conditions like ulcers, bleeding, inflammation, body aches, diarrhea, and dysentery.

In Nepal, it is known as ‘Thulo Okhati’ – and is widely used as tonic for uterine and menstrual disorders. Studies have shown the rhizomes contain several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. They work by inhibiting inflammatory enzymes and cytokines response in people.

Poisonous

Astilbe is generally considered non-toxic to pets.

Cultivars