Astilbe × arendsii 'Betsy Cuperus' (False Goat's Beard) — Clump-forming, upright plumes above a mound of foliage

Overview

Astilbe × arendsii 'Betsy Cuperus' 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 'Betsy Cuperus' 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. Suggested uses include ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens and and alongside ponds or streams where soil remains moist..

About

Astilbe × arendsii 'Betsy Cuperus' is a clump-forming perennial that carries upright flower plumes above a mound of deeply divided, toothed leaves. Foliage is deciduous and often bronze-tinted when young. Plant in partial shade where the soil can be kept reliably moist, as it will not tolerate drought. It flowers 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 'Betsy Cuperus' belongs to the Saxifragaceae and is a clump-forming perennial with upright plumes rising from a mound of divided, toothed leaves. The foliage is deciduous and often shows a bronze tint on young growth, and the plant produces its flower plumes from June to August. Plant where light is filtered rather than direct; partial shade is ideal and it will tolerate full sun only where the soil remains reliably wet. Choose a north, east or west-facing spot that is sheltered from strong wind. Soil should be fertile loam or clay worked with plenty of organic matter and kept reliably moist to boggy, since this cultivar will not tolerate drought. The UK hardiness rating H7 indicates it is fully hardy in British gardens. Use 'Betsy Cuperus' at the front or middle of a shaded border, in a woodland garden, or beside ponds and streams where moisture is consistent. Position the clump so the mound of divided foliage sits clearly in view and the June to August plumes can be appreciated against a darker background.

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 'Betsy Cuperus' 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
Suggested uses: Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and alongside ponds or streams where soil remains moist.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Astilbe × arendsii 'Betsy Cuperus'

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 'Betsy Cuperus'?

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 'Betsy Cuperus'?

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

What soil does Astilbe × arendsii 'Betsy Cuperus' need?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Betsy Cuperus' 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 'Betsy Cuperus'?

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 'Betsy Cuperus' hardy in the UK?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Betsy Cuperus' 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 'Betsy Cuperus'?

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 →