Astilbe x arendsii

Hybrid Astilbe is a popular and colorful perennial with bright floral plumes and green to bronze fern-like foliage. They are wonderful plants to bring color to your garden. Depending on the variety, they will provide blooms from late spring to fall. With proper moisture, the foliage remains attractive throughout its blooming period. They grow about 24 to 36 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide. The showy flowers are excellent for floral cuttings or use in a dried arrangement.

Astilbes are native to China, Japan, and Korea. Astilbe x arendsii are hybrids and are the result of crosses between Astilbe Chinensis, Astilbe Japonica, Astilbe thunergii, and Astilbe astilboides. These hybrids were developed in Germany by George Arends in the 1920s.

The genus name, Astilbe, is derived from the Greek words meaning "without brightness."  This is said to reference some of the species having dull leaves. The species name refers to George Arends who developed the hybrids.

Their root system is rhizomatous. The hybrids develop into mounds of fern-like foliage and have erect or arching feathery plumes with tiny blooms. The many different varieties offer a range of colored blooms from red, pink, peach, purple, and white. The foliage varies from medium green, dark green, and bronze. Depending on the variety the bloom times vary from late spring, early summer, mid-summer, late summer, and fall. Their fruits are dried seed heads. The spent flowers and dried seedheads are ornamental through the fall and winter months.

They prefer shady and moist sites. The soil needs to be organically rich and well-drained. The plant may grow in full sun but will require constant moisture. They are propagated by division or seeds. It is best to divide the plants about every 4 years, preferably in the spring or fall. The plant attracts butterflies and is resistant to rabbits and deer. 

Hybrid Astilbe is an excellent plant for perennial borders, woodlands, containers, and groundcovers. They perform well in shade gardens, wet sites, or near ponds and streams. Consider adding this plant to your garden for a splash of color and added interest in your landscape.

Quick ID Hints:

• Herb with ternately compound leaves
• Leaves with swollen petiole joints*
• Terminal pyramidal panicles of numerous, small flowers

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: The plant has no serious insect or disease issues. Possible insect pests include Whitefly, Japanese beetle, and Black vine weevil. Possible diseases include powdery mildew, wilt, bacterial leaf spot, and Cercospora leaf spot. In hot summer or periods of drought, the foliage may decline if the soil is not kept moist.