Latin name: Astilbe Arendsii hybrids
by Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association
A popular plant for moist, shady areas, these hybrids form mounds of fern-like, foliage and display feathery plumes of tiny blooms in many shades. They offer a wide range of foliage color, size and bloom times from late spring to early fall.
Astilbe Arendsii hybrids have beautiful fern-like foliage and bear delicate, feathery plumes of tiny blooms in a large variety of shades. Varieties also offer a wide range of foliage color, size and bloom times from late spring to early fall. The flowers can be used as cut flowers or in dried arrangements. These plants prefer partial shade, but will tolerate full sun if provided plenty of water. Good areas to use Astilbe Arendsii hybrids would be in a mass or group planting in shade gardens, woodland gardens and shaded areas of border fronts. Excellent ground cover or edging plant for shady areas. Also effective on pond or stream banks. No serious disease problems, however powdery mildew & wilt may occur. Several insect problems can occur such as Japanese beetle, white fly and black vine weevil.
Photos courtesy Wanda Brenton.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Form | Oval - vertical |
| Foliage | Deeply cut, fern-like |
| Height/Width | 1.5 to 4.5 feet height, 1 to 2 feet width |
| Hardiness Zone | 4 - 9 |
| Exposure | Prefers shady, moist sites |
| Flower Colour | White, pink, red, lilac, rose |
| Leaf Colour | Medium to dark green |
| Flower time | Late spring to early fall |
| Preferred Soil and Watering | Well drained, moist soil |
| Other | Deer and rabbit resistant, non-aggressive, non-invasive, low maintenance plant. Divide clumps when overcrowded (every 3 to 4 years) |