Astilbe 'Sprite' |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Astilbe-Dwarf |
- Lovely shell-pink flowers in open, drooping panicles borne on stiff, wiry stems
- Rust-colored seed heads are particularly outstanding
- Blooms in mid to late summer
- Glossy black-green leaves are bronze in spring
- Foliage is finely textured and forms a dense mound
- A dwarf selection
A member of Astilbe simplicifolia (Astilbe). A species characterized by glossy, mid-green leaves which are lobed, not divided. Plants form compact mounds that look good even without flowers. Open, airy panicles of star-like flowers are followed by ornamental seed heads which provide a few additional months of interest. Slower to establish than A. arendsii, requiring about 3 years to reach maturity.
Breeder: Alan Bloom
Introducer: Blooms of Bressingham®
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
12-15 Inches
Spread:
10-12 Inches
Flower Color:
Pink shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Full shade (< 4 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Consistent water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Slow
When should it bloom?:
Midsummer
Late summer
How's your soil?:
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Woodland/Shade
Eclectic
Astilbes are long-lived perennials that are most comfortable when grown in rich soil and light shade to filtered sun. They will grow in full shade, but will not bloom as prolifically there.
Though they are easy to grow, Astilbes have one critical requirement--lots of water. Plants must have consistently moist soil; dryness leads to a quick demise, especially in sun. Increase watering as the foliage emerges and the plumes mature. If the soil dries out, the leaves will develop brown, crispy margins and will begin to drop.
Fertilize Astilbes in late spring before flowering starts. Wait to cut back the old foliage until spring; it will help protect the plant from winter damage. In the spring, if the crown has risen above soil level, gently press it back into the ground and apply some organic matter around the plant.
The word "Astilbe" probably means "without showiness" in Greek, referring to the original flowers from China. Today's hybrids are definitely showy!