About
Astilbe 'Straussenfeder' (_thunbergii_ hybrid) is a robust perennial that can reach heights of up to 90 cm. It features glossy, mid-green leaves that are divided and have a subtle bronze tint. In late summer, it produces airy clusters of rosy-pink flowers that are borne on delicate, arching 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
- Cut back old stems and foliage before growth commences in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in late winter or early spring, pot divisions under glass and plant out in late spring.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews