Astilbe 'Ostrich Plume' ('Straussenfeder')

Astilbe 'Ostrich Plume' Japanese Astilbe

Common Name: Japanese Astilbe, Thunberg's Astilbe

Rich coral-rose, arching plumes are very large, open, and drooping; very different than typical astilbe flowers

Blooms are presented on tall stems above the glaucous foliage

Blooms in midsummer

Absolutely magnificent when full grown, especially when sited near a water feature

A member of: Astilbe x thunbergii (Tall Japanese Astilbe/Thunberg's Astilbe). A group of late blooming hybrids with distinctive, open, nodding flower clusters held on tall stems above glaucous foliage.

Height:

30.0 Inches

Spread:

24.0-28.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Peach shades Pink shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) 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 Fragrant Foliage Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point

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.

Awards

Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993

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