[PLANT PROFILE] ASTILBE
ASTILBE
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GROWING ASTILBE
Astilbe are perennial flowers that bloom in spring and summer. They grow well in shady areas where other flowers won't thrive. They add swaths of color to shade beds with their plumed flowers available in many colors and sizes. Their soft feathery blooms come in shades of purple, lavender, red, white or pink. Their glossy fern like foliage comes in shades of green, bronze or deep brown. Astilbe are usually deer resistant but we are finding that at times deer are snacking on them as well.
ASTIBLE ATTRACT BUTTERFLIES!
COMBINATION PLANTINGS
We recommend planting Astilbe in combination with plants that have similar cultural requirements. Astilbes require plenty of water and some afternoon shade. Some combinations we recommend are shrubs like hydrangeas or Hypericum and perennials such as Rodgersias (Roger’s flower), Snakeroot, Cimicifuga, Thalictrum or ferns.
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CARE
Regularly check Astilbes to make sure they are moist.
Astilbes spread quickly and form broad clumps.
Apply organic fertilizer in the spring.
Divide the overgrown clumps every 3 to 4 years in the spring.
Typically you can remove spent flower blooms to encourage
more blossoms but Astilbe are the exception.
Astilbes spent flowers have ornamental value.
They can be left standing if desired or cut down at any time.
Astilbes continue to provide attractive foliage until fall.
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VARIETIES
Vineyard Gardens we carry 25-30 different cultivars.
Astilbe chinensis Pumila: Forms a ground cover. Height: 10” tall.
Astilbe Hennie Graafland: Dwarf Astilbe. Height: 12”-18” tall.
Astilbe Superba: One of the tallest pinks. Height: 24”-48” tall.
Astilbe Mighty Red Quin: Height 39”-47” tall
Astilbe Montgomery: Height 20-24” tall
Other Varieties we carry:
Astilbe Erika, Mighty Pip, Purple Candles, Bressignham, Beauty, Delft Lace, Little Visions in Pink, Straussenfetter, Dueschland, Visions & Mauve
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