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

Overview

Astilbe × arendsii 'Lilli Goos' 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 'Lilli Goos' 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 'Lilli Goos' is a clump-forming perennial in the Saxifragaceae, producing upright plumes above a mound of deeply divided, toothed foliage. The leaves are deciduous and often bronze-tinted when young. Flowering occurs from June to August, presenting erect, feathery panicles. It prefers partial shade, fertile loam or clay enriched with organic matter, and reliably moist to boggy soil, and will not tolerate drought.

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 'Lilli Goos' forms a tight clump of divided, toothed leaves with upright flowering plumes rising above the foliage. The leaves are deciduous and commonly show a bronze tinge as they emerge. Flowering takes place from June to August, offering a summer run of plumed flower-heads. Plant it in partial shade; full sun is acceptable only where the soil remains reliably wet. Use a fertile loam or clay soil improved with organic matter and aim for neutral to slightly acid conditions. The plant favours north, east or west-facing positions and prefers a sheltered aspect. It will not tolerate drought and suits locations where soil stays consistently moist to boggy. Hardiness is H7 (fully hardy in UK gardens). ' Lilli Goos' is well suited to shaded borders, woodland gardens and alongside ponds or streams where the soil remains wet. Position it where its erect plumes can provide vertical summer colour from June to August without drying out at the roots.

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 'Lilli Goos' 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 'Lilli Goos'

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 'Lilli Goos'?

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 'Lilli Goos'?

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

What soil does Astilbe × arendsii 'Lilli Goos' need?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Lilli Goos' 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 'Lilli Goos'?

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 'Lilli Goos' hardy in the UK?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Lilli Goos' 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 'Lilli Goos'?

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 →