Astilbe × arendsii 'Bridal Veil' (Bridal Veil Astilbe) — Clump-forming, upright plumes above a mound of foliage

Overview

Astilbe × arendsii 'Bridal Veil' 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 'Bridal Veil' 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 borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens, near water features and and moist shaded areas..

About

Astilbe × arendsii 'Bridal Veil' is a clump-forming perennial producing upright, feathery flower plumes above a mound of deeply divided, toothed leaves. The foliage is deciduous and often shows a bronze tint when young. It favours reliably moist to boggy soil and will not tolerate drought. Flowers appear 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 'Bridal Veil' belongs to the Saxifragaceae and is a garden hybrid developed from species adapted to damp, shaded ravines and woodlands. As a clump-forming perennial it carries erect flower stalks above a mound of deeply divided foliage; the young leaves commonly have a bronze cast before settling to green. Flowering occurs from June to August. Plant in partial shade on north, east or west-facing sites where the soil remains reliably moist; it will only tolerate full sun if the ground stays consistently wet. Use a fertile loam or clay improved with plenty of organic matter and aim for a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Give a sheltered position to protect the crowns and note that it is fully hardy (H7) in UK gardens. Bridal Veil Astilbe suits borders, woodland and shade gardens, and pond edges or other moist, shaded areas. Its upright plumes are most effective when placed behind lower-leaved plants or in groups so the June to August flowering display reads as a continuous column of colour. Position at the water’s edge or alongside moisture-loving perennials to prevent drought stress and to let the plume stalks remain upright through the season.

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 'Bridal Veil' 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: Borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens, near water features, and moist shaded areas.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Astilbe × arendsii 'Bridal Veil'

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 'Bridal Veil'?

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 'Bridal Veil'?

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

What soil does Astilbe × arendsii 'Bridal Veil' need?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Bridal Veil' 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 'Bridal Veil'?

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 'Bridal Veil' hardy in the UK?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Bridal Veil' 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 'Bridal Veil'?

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 →