Overview
Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Astilbe, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens and containers.
About
Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift' is a perennial cultivar of the Astilbe genus, known for its rhizomatous growth and native to mountain ravines and woodlands in Asia and North America. This cultivar thrives in partial shade to full shade and prefers consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil that is acidic to neutral in pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens, and containers. After blooming, cutting back old flower stems encourages fresh growth, and propagation is best done by division in spring or autumn.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Astilbe
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, rich, well-drained
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift'
- Cultivation
- Prefers consistently moist soil and partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture.
- Pruning
- Cut back old flower stems after blooming to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, leaf scorch
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift'?
Prefers consistently moist soil and partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift'?
Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift' need?
Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, rich and well-drained. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift'?
Cut back old flower stems after blooming to encourage fresh growth.
Is Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift' hardy in the UK?
Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift'?
Division in spring or autumn.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Astilbe genus
- Astilbe 'Bumalda'False Goat's Beard
- Astilbe chinensisChinese astilbe
- Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila'dwarf Chinese astilbe
- Astilbe grandisgrand astilbe
- Astilbe rivulariswaterside astilbe
- Astilbe taquetiiFalse Goat's Beard
- Astilbe × arendsii
- Astilbe × arendsii 'Amethyst'Amethyst Astilbe