Astilbe 'Amber Moon' PP26028

Common Name: Hybrid Astilbe, False Spirea

This Astilbe is useful for brightening up the shade garden as well as providing beautiful long-stemmed flowers for fresh and dried bouquets.

The foliage emerges bright chartreuse yellow in spring with a tinge of red pigment in the newest leaves. It provides a bright spot of color and lacy texture to the shade garden in spring and then greens up a bit by late summer.

Very tall, strong, blush red stems carry rose pink flower panicles in midsummer.

‘Amber Moon’ displays good heat tolerance and a robust habit like Chinese Astilbe, though we cannot say for sure that it is pure A. chinensis. It is best grown in partial to full shade because of its light colored foliage.

Height:

34.0-38.0 Inches

Spread:

22.0-28.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Pink shades

Foliage Color:

Yellow shades

Sunlight:

Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Fragrant Flowers

Origin:

Not Native to North America

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.

Fun Facts

The word "Astilbe" probably means "without showiness" in Greek, referring to the original flowers from China. Today's hybrids are definitely showy!

Characteristics