Astilbe × arendsii 'Professor van der Wielen' (False Goat's Beard) — Clump-forming, upright plumes above a mound of foliage

Overview

Astilbe × arendsii 'Professor van der Wielen' 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 'Professor van der Wielen' 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 'Professor van der Wielen' is a clump-forming perennial in the Saxifragaceae that bears upright flower plumes above a mound of deeply divided, toothed leaves. The foliage is deciduous and often shows a bronze tint when young. It prefers partial shade and will only tolerate full sun where the soil remains reliably wet. Expect flowering 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 hybrid within the Astilbe group, Astilbe × arendsii 'Professor van der Wielen' belongs to the saxifrage family and traces its ancestry to woodland and ravine species of Asia and North America. As a garden perennial it forms a neat mound of deeply divided, toothed leaves topped by erect plumes of summer flowers. Plant it in partial shade or on north, east or west-facing aspects where soil stays reliably moist to boggy; it will not tolerate drought and should only be placed in full sun if the moisture regime is consistent. Work plenty of organic matter into fertile loam or clay and aim for neutral to slightly acid conditions. Give it a sheltered spot to avoid wind damage to the plumes. The cultivar is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy in UK gardens. Astilbe × arendsii 'Professor van der Wielen' sits well in borders, woodland and shade gardens, beside ponds or in any moist garden bed that benefits from textured foliage. Plants carry their upright plumes clear of the foliage from June to August, with the early bronze wash of the leaves adding season-long contrast.

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 'Professor van der Wielen' 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 'Professor van der Wielen'

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 'Professor van der Wielen'?

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 'Professor van der Wielen'?

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

What soil does Astilbe × arendsii 'Professor van der Wielen' need?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Professor van der Wielen' 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 'Professor van der Wielen'?

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 'Professor van der Wielen' hardy in the UK?

Astilbe × arendsii 'Professor van der Wielen' 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 'Professor van der Wielen'?

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 →