Guide to growing garden plants - Astilbe Garden Spiraea
Garden plants from the Astilbe genus tend to be hardy perennial in nature.
Some of the names in which they are commonly known by include garden spiraea, plume flower, false spiraea and false goatsbeard.
They normally flower from late spring through to early summer.
Description of garden spiraea
Astilbe range in height from about 15 cm to 120 cm. They have appealing plume like flowers that are naturally white or pink; breeding of garden spiraea species has extended these colours to be more intense and include pinks and coral colours. They make great plants for the border when grown in mass and make great plants for a woodland simulation.
How to grow garden spiraea
When planting Astilbe outdoors it is best to sow out the seeds on the surface in the early spring, when it is still possible that a frost may occur. If you plan to grow garden spiraea indoors first then the germination period takes from one to two months at a temperature of about 18 degrees. it is very important to water Astilbe from below, as they are hypersensitive to water damage. Garden spiraea seedlings should be planted out after the last frost of spring at a spacing of about 30 cm (small varieties) or 50 to 80 cm (large species). Astilbe should be planted in moist well drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7, ideally in a shaded area.
Caring for Spiraea
Garden spiraea / plume flower is an easy plant to look after, it should be fertilized in the summer and watered during prolonged dry spells. As it is a hardy perennial it is best to divide the Astilbe every three years or so to maintain vigorous growth.