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

Overview

Astilbe × arendsii 'Ostrich Plume' 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 'Ostrich Plume' 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 'Ostrich Plume' is a perennial in the Saxifragaceae, forming clumps with upright, feathery flower plumes above a mound of divided foliage. The leaves are deciduous and deeply divided, often bronze-tinted when young. Flowering occurs from June to August. It favours partial shade and will only tolerate full sun where the soil remains reliably wet.

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 'Ostrich Plume' is a clump-forming perennial in the saxifrage family that carries erect, plume-like flowerheads above a mound of toothed, deeply divided leaves. The foliage is deciduous and often shows a bronze tinge as new growth emerges; flowering runs from June to August. Plants in this group have been selected for their upright sprays of flowers that sit clearly above the leaf canopy. Give Astilbe × arendsii 'Ostrich Plume' a sheltered, partly shaded position — north, east or west aspects suit it best — and soil that is fertile loam or clay worked with plenty of organic matter. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil and needs reliably moist to boggy conditions; it will not tolerate drought and should only be placed in full sun where moisture is constant. The cultivar is rated H7 for UK hardiness, meaning it is fully hardy in UK gardens. Use it in mixed borders where moisture is retained, in woodland or shade gardens, or beside water features and ponds where soil remains damp. The upright plumes provide vertical punctuation from June to August, rising above the bronze-tinted young foliage as the season progresses.

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 'Ostrich Plume' 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 'Ostrich Plume'

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 'Ostrich Plume'?

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 'Ostrich Plume'?

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

What soil does Astilbe × arendsii 'Ostrich Plume' need?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Ostrich Plume' 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 'Ostrich Plume'?

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 'Ostrich Plume' hardy in the UK?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Ostrich Plume' 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 'Ostrich Plume'?

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

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