Astilbe × arendsii — Clump-forming, upright plumes above a mound of foliage

Overview

Astilbe × arendsii is a clump-forming, upright plumes above a mound of foliage perennial in the genus Astilbe, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with deciduous; deeply divided and toothed, often bronze-tinted when young foliage. Astilbe × arendsii grows best in partial shade; full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet, and tolerates fertile loam or clay enriched with organic matter soils and neutral to slightly acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7.

About

Astilbe × arendsii is a clump-forming perennial that carries upright, feathery flower plumes above a mound of deeply divided, toothed foliage. Leaves are deciduous and often bronze-tinted when young. It needs reliably moist to boggy soil and will not tolerate drought. Flowering occurs from June to August.

About the genus

Astilbe is a genus of 18 species of rhizomatous flowering plants within the family Saxifragaceae, native to mountain ravines and woodlands in Asia and North America. Some species are known by the common names false goat's beard and false spirea.

Wikipedia contributors, "Astilbe", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Astilbe

In the garden

Astilbe × arendsii sits in the Saxifragaceae family and forms neat clumps topped by upright plumes of flowers. The foliage is deciduous, deeply divided and toothed, often taking on a bronze tint as new leaves unfold. Expect the flowering display in the UK from June to August. Plant where soil remains reliably moist to boggy: fertile loam or clay amended with plenty of organic matter and kept neutral to slightly acid in reaction. Position the plants in partial shade; they will tolerate full sun only where the soil stays consistently wet. Choose north-, east- or west-facing positions that are sheltered from strong winds to protect the upright flower stems and fresh foliage. Astilbe × arendsii carries a clump-forming habit that suits damp, shaded borders and other cool, moisture-retentive spots in the garden. It is rated H7 (fully hardy) for UK conditions, so plants can remain in the border through winter where they have appropriate shelter and moisture. Expect the characteristic plumes to rise above the foliage each year between June and August.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Astilbe

Sunlight: Partial shade; full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet
Soil type: Fertile loam or clay enriched with organic matter
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acid
Soil moisture: Reliably moist to boggy; will not tolerate drought
Aspect: North, east or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Astilbe × arendsii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright plumes above a mound of foliage
Foliage: Deciduous; deeply divided and toothed, often bronze-tinted when young

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Astilbe × arendsii

Cultivation: Moisture is everything - an astilbe that dries out scorches at the leaf margins and the plumes shrivel before they open. Plant in ground improved with plenty of organic matter, mulch generously each spring, and site out of hot afternoon sun unless the soil is genuinely wet. They are excellent in the damp shade where little else thrives.
Pruning: No pruning needed. Leave the spent plumes standing for winter structure and cut the whole clump down in late winter before new growth begins.
Propagation: Divide congested crowns in early spring; the woody rootstock may need a spade or a saw. Species can be raised from seed but cultivars will not come true.
Pest resistance: Largely trouble-free, though vine weevil grubs attack the roots of container plants.
Disease resistance: Healthy in suitable conditions. Powdery mildew appears on plants under drought stress, which is a symptom of the wrong site rather than of disease pressure.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Astilbe × arendsii?

Moisture is everything - an astilbe that dries out scorches at the leaf margins and the plumes shrivel before they open. Plant in ground improved with plenty of organic matter, mulch generously each spring, and site out of hot afternoon sun unless the soil is genuinely wet. They are excellent in the damp shade where little else thrives.

Where is the best place to plant Astilbe × arendsii?

Astilbe × arendsii prefers partial shade; full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Astilbe × arendsii need?

Astilbe × arendsii grows best in fertile loam or clay enriched with organic matter soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil. Aim for soil that stays reliably moist to boggy; will not tolerate drought.

How do I prune Astilbe × arendsii?

No pruning needed. Leave the spent plumes standing for winter structure and cut the whole clump down in late winter before new growth begins.

Is Astilbe × arendsii hardy in the UK?

Astilbe × arendsii has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Astilbe × arendsii?

Divide congested crowns in early spring; the woody rootstock may need a spade or a saw. Species can be raised from seed but cultivars will not come true.

More in the Astilbe genus

Browse all Astilbe →