Astilbe Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite' (Astilbe Sprite) — Clump-forming, upright plumes above a mound of foliage

Overview

Astilbe Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite' 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 Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite' 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, containers, shade gardens and near water features.

About

Astilbe Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite' is a clump-forming perennial with 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 needs reliably moist to boggy soil, tolerating full sun only where the ground remains wet. Flowers appear 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 member of the Saxifragaceae, Astilbe Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite' forms a perennial clump of toothed, divided leaves topped by erect flower plumes. The foliage is deciduous and commonly shows a bronze tinge while young, returning each year from its crown. As a garden plant it suits cooler, shaded places rather than exposed, dry sites. Plant into fertile loam or clay enriched with plenty of organic matter and keep the soil consistently moist; the variety will not tolerate drought. Position where it receives partial shade — north, east or west-facing aspects are ideal — and avoid exposed sites; it prefers a sheltered aspect. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7), so no winter protection is normally required in established positions. Astilbe Sprite works well in mixed borders, woodland gardens, shade beds, containers and beside water features where the soil stays damp. Give plants space to form a mound of foliage so the upright plumes can show above the leaves. Expect the flower display from June to August, when the vertical plumes add texture and contrast to shadier parts of the garden.

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 Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite' 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, containers, shade gardens, near water features

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Astilbe Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite'

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 Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite'?

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 Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite'?

Astilbe Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite' prefers partial shade; full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Astilbe Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite' need?

Astilbe Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite' 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 Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite'?

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 Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite' hardy in the UK?

Astilbe Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite' 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 Dwarf Garden hybrids 'Sprite'?

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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