Astilbe × arendsii 'Cattleya' (False Spirea) — Clump-forming, upright plumes above a mound of foliage

Overview

Astilbe × arendsii 'Cattleya' 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 'Cattleya' 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 garden beds..

About

Astilbe × arendsii 'Cattleya' is a clump-forming perennial producing upright flower plumes above a mound of deeply divided, toothed leaves. The foliage is deciduous and often bronze-tinted when young. It requires reliably moist to boggy soil and prefers partial shade, with full sun only where the soil stays wet. 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

A cultivated selection within the Astilbe group, Astilbe × arendsii 'Cattleya' forms a neat mound of deeply divided, toothed leaves topped by erect plumes of summer bloom. The leaves often show a bronze tint when young, and the plant dies back to the crown in winter. It should be treated as a moisture-loving perennial suited to sheltered spots. Plant in partial shade on north-, east- or west-facing aspects; avoid exposed sites. Use fertile loam or clay improved with generous organic matter and aim for neutral to slightly acid soil pH. The species will not tolerate drought, so choose positions that stay reliably moist to boggy; only place in full sun where moisture can be guaranteed. Astilbe × arendsii 'Cattleya' is fully hardy in UK gardens (H7) but benefits from a sheltered situation. Where it works best: the cultivar is well suited to shaded borders, woodland and shade gardens, damp beds and the margins of ponds or streams. In mixed perennial borders, place it where its upright plumes can be seen above lower plants and where irrigation or natural wetness keeps the rootzone cool. Cut back spent flower stalks after the June–August display to keep the foliage mound tidy into autumn.

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 'Cattleya' 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 garden beds.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Astilbe × arendsii 'Cattleya'

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 'Cattleya'?

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 'Cattleya'?

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

What soil does Astilbe × arendsii 'Cattleya' need?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Cattleya' 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 'Cattleya'?

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 'Cattleya' hardy in the UK?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Cattleya' 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 'Cattleya'?

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 →