About
Astilbe 'Irrlicht' (x _arendsii_) is a perennial that grows in clumps, reaching heights of 60 to 70 cm. Its foliage consists of mid-green leaves that are finely divided into narrow, serrated leaflets. During the summer months, it produces clusters of small white flowers arranged in airy, conical plumes that can extend up to 20 cm in length, supported by reddish stems.
About the genus
Astilbe are perennial plants with rhizomes, characterized by their dissected leaves that typically have a ternate structure. In summer, they produce upright panicles filled with small flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. The dried flower heads persist into autumn, adding interest to the landscape.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained or boggy soil in dappled shade, or in indirect sun where the soil remains moisture-retentive in summer. Drought intolerant, may be damaged in hot sun. Good for waterside planting. See Astilbe cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required but can cut back after flowering, or delay until spring as faded flower spikes can remain attractive in autumn and winter
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in late winter or early spring, pot divisions under glass and plant out in late spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to vine weevil damage
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Powdery mildews