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

Overview

Astilbe × arendsii 'White Gloria' 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 'White Gloria' 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, alongside ponds or streams, and in moist and shady perennial beds..

About

Astilbe × arendsii 'White Gloria' is a clump-forming perennial bearing upright plumes above a mound of deeply divided, toothed foliage. The leaves are deciduous and often bronze-tinted when young. It favours partial shade and reliably moist soil and will not tolerate drought. Flowers appear 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

Astilbe × arendsii 'White Gloria' sits in the Saxifragaceae as a clump-forming perennial with upright, feathery flower plumes rising above a mound of finely divided, toothed leaves that are often bronze-tinted when young. The plant makes a clear architectural presence in shade where soil remains damp. Plant where it receives partial shade — north, east or west-facing aspects are appropriate — and avoid exposed sites. It will take full sun only where the ground stays reliably wet. Give fertile loam or clay enriched with plenty of organic matter and aim for a neutral to slightly acid soil reaction. Keep soil reliably moist to boggy, as the cultivar will not tolerate drought; in the UK it is rated H7 and so is fully hardy through the winter where conditions are sheltered. Use 'White Gloria' in shaded borders, woodland gardens, beside ponds or streams, or in moist perennial beds where its upright plumes can be seen above other foliage. The flowering season runs June to August, when the upright blooms sit clearly above the foliage and define its role at the back of a shady border.

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 'White Gloria' 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, alongside ponds or streams, and in moist, shady perennial beds.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Astilbe × arendsii 'White Gloria'

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 'White Gloria'?

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 'White Gloria'?

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

What soil does Astilbe × arendsii 'White Gloria' need?

Astilbe × arendsii 'White Gloria' 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 'White Gloria'?

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 'White Gloria' hardy in the UK?

Astilbe × arendsii 'White Gloria' 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 'White Gloria'?

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 →