Introduction Of The Astilbe

Genus and History of the Astilbe
The genus Astilbe is known by the popular names, False Spirea and Meadow Sweet. The plant belongs to the division of Magnaliophyta and the family is Saxifragaceae under the order Saxifragales. The genus has about 14 species and these are native to East Asia and North America.

Research into the discovery of the plant leads us to the travels of Ernest Henry Wilson (1876-1930) who was a botanist associated with the University of London. He was sent on a mission to China to trace the incredible Dove tree - Davidia Involucrata. From there, he collected seeds of many plants including the seeds of Astilbe davidii. This explains the advent of this variety into the West.

Description of the Astilbes
Astilbes are easy to locate in any garden that boasts growing them. They range in height starting from 6 inch miniatures to 5 feet tall plants. These plants can be grown to give background cover as tall plants or in beds, borders, and as expanses of ground cover.
They depict two distinctive traits. First, their deeply lobed leaves form clumps, and these vary from light green to a deep green in color and are often tinted with a bronze shade.
Second, Astilbes show an interesting arrangement of their flowers on the stalks. Heavily laden with blossoms, the stalks rise from the foliage clumps. The flowers are arranged densely on panicles in colors of pearly whites, neon pinks, reds and purples. These are dusted with many contrasting colors.

Popular Types of Astilbes
Astilbes can be classified under six types, each with its distinctive traits and many cultivars. They are the Chinensis, Arendsii, Crispa, Japonica, Simplicifolia and the Thunbergii. A few well known examples of the above types are Astilbe Perkeo, Astilbe arrendsii Fanal, Astilbe Aphrodite, Astilbe Bronze Queen, Astilbe Pumila, Astilbe Snowdrift and Astilbe Rheinland. Each of these with its varying height, colorful panicles and foliage is a treat to grow in the garden.

Since Astilbes have three blooming periods: Early, Mid-season and Late, a summer garden, with staggered planting can be a riot of color from these plants. A sample ready reckoner of these periods and their corresponding varieties must include the misty rose-colored Astilbe Federsee and the pearl-hued Astilbe Gladstone for early summer. Both of these are show stoppers, with the latter bearing lace like inflorescence.

For the mid season, Stile Gloria Pursuer is a good example. It bears large and dense lavender flowers with a pink tinge and its foliage resembles an array of foxtails. The Sprite and Astilbe Finale are samples of late bloomers. The Sprite blossoms are a delightful pink, and the plant is exquisite for a small garden. The Finale Astilbe has baby pink flowers on diamond shaped plumes.

Growing Tips for the Astilbe
Climate: Astilbes grow well in USDA Zones 3 to zone 9.

Light: Semi to full shade with a little of the morning sun will be ideal. They cannot bear the afternoon sun.

Soil: Fertile, well-draining, slightly acidic soil mixed with organic manure is recommended. Alkaline and clayey soils are not suitable.

Water: The plants require adequate watering to keep the soil moist. In wet places like the Pacific Northwest, good drainage has to be ensured.

Planting: For planting, dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant root ball. Replant at the same depth as it was earlier. Cover the site with rich organic soil, water well and fertilize before growth starts. Soil can be covered with a thin layer of bark mulch to keep it moist and weed free.

Flowering period: The flowering periods for the Astilbe is from end of spring through fall. Each plant flowers for three weeks. Astilbes are heavy feeders and a fertilizer (l5-10-15) must be given periodically all through the flowering season. Plants are attacked only by aphids which can be controlled with a good spray of water. During this period, fresh blossoms can be cut for floral arrangements. No deadheading is necessary as the dried flowers too look good on the plants.

Propagation: Propagation is through division. Every 3 to 4 years, these plants must be divided. Slice the crown into a few sections. Plant each piece separately in soil nourished with organic manure. If this is done by end of summer, new roots will get established before winter begins. Seeds planted indoors in early March can be planted outside in spring.

Astibles look stunning if paired with hostas, geraniums and perennials like ligularia and filipendula. For keen gardeners, growing Astibles is a delight, as the plant promises generous bouquets of tantalizing blossoms to make for memorable summers.

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