False goat's beard Astilbe 'Amethyst' (× arendsii)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Amethyst', often referred to just as Astilbe, is an attractive perennial known for its vibrant and feathery plumes. This plant features fluffy, elongated flowers that are a striking soft lavender-pink color, creating a visually delicate and airy effect in garden spaces. The flowers cluster on erect, branching stems, rising elegantly above the foliage. These blossoms are not only a favorite for their visual appeal but also for their ability to attract pollinators like butterflies to the garden. The foliage of Astilbe 'Amethyst' is equally impressive, composed of dense mounds of compound leaves. These leaves are deep green and have a glossy, fern-like appearance, with finely dissected leaflets that add a lush, textured backdrop to the bold floral display. The contrast between the soft flower plumes and the intricate foliage offers a stunning combination that enhances the aesthetic value of the plant. Astilbe blooms in the early to mid-summer, and its flowers are a popular choice for cut-flower arrangements due to their unique appearance and lasting qualities. After the blooming period, the flower plumes may turn a light brown, providing continued interest and structure in the garden throughout the season. Overall, Astilbe 'Amethyst' is a charming plant that adds a touch of whimsy and romance to the landscape, with its colorful blooms and attractive foliage creating an alluring garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Spirea, False Goat's Beard, Feather Flower
Common names
Astilbe × arendsii 'Amethyst'
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe, including the 'Amethyst' variety, is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant, as it is not known to contain any toxic compounds that would affect people if ingested.
To pets
Astilbe is also not considered toxic to pets. There is no evidence to suggest that dogs or cats would experience any symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant. Therefore, it is not typically a cause for concern if pets come into contact with or consume parts of the Astilbe 'Amethyst'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Astilbe 'Amethyst' adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its feathery plumes of lilac-pink flowers.
- Shade Tolerance: It is well-suited for shaded areas where many plants won't thrive, allowing for garden design versatility.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Astilbe 'Amethyst' attract butterflies and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming: It has an extended blooming period during the summer months, providing long-lasting garden interest.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, though it prefers moist conditions.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: The plant is less palatable to deer and rabbits, reducing the risk of damage from these animals.
- Winter Interest: With its feathery seed heads, Astilbe 'Amethyst' adds texture and interest to the winter landscape.
- Soil Erosion Control: The fibrous root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in a landscape setting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The striking plumes of the Astilbe 'Amethyst' provide an excellent backdrop for close-up photography, lending an ethereal and whimsical quality to the images.
- Art Inspiration: The unique form and color of the Astilbe 'Amethyst' flowers can inspire artists to create paintings, drawings, or even sculptures, capturing their delicate beauty.
- Educational Tool: Astilbe 'Amethyst' can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant biology, pollination, and horticulture, especially in areas concerning perennial plants and shade gardens.
- Theme Gardens: This plant can be an integral part of thematic gardens, such as a Victorian garden or a purple-colored garden, due to its period charm and vibrant hues.
- Dried Crafts: The flowers of Astilbe 'Amethyst' can be dried and used in crafting, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or potpourri.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not edible, the flowers can be used as a non-toxic decorative element for cakes and desserts, as long as they are removed before consumption.
- Landscape Design: Professionals can use Astilbe 'Amethyst' to create texture and depth in shady landscape designs, taking advantage of its foliage and blooms.
- Nature-Inspired Fashion: The blossoms and unique structure of Astilbe 'Amethyst' can serve as inspiration for nature-themed fashion designs and textiles.
- Water Feature Complement: They can be planted around water features such as ponds or fountains to add softness and color to the waterside environment.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Astilbe 'Amethyst's' peak bloom time can be highlighted during seasonal celebrations or garden parties as a natural decoration that marks the time of year.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Astilbe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Astilbe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patient Love: Astilbe is often associated with patience and dedicated love, reflecting the plant's own growth requirements of being patient for its blooms.
- Hope: Its delicate flowers can symbolize hope, suggesting optimism for the future.
- Endurance: Because astilbe can thrive in shady gardens, it can represent the ability to endure through challenging conditions.
WaterFalse Spirea requires consistent moisture, so it should be watered thoroughly once a week or more frequently during hot, dry periods to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 1 inch of water weekly, which equates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square foot. During peak summer heat, the amount may need to be increased to ensure adequate hydration. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow foliage to dry, preventing fungal diseases.
LightFalse Spirea thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day or a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. It's important to protect the plant from the harsh midday sun which can scorch the delicate foliage.
TemperatureFalse Spirea prefers moderate temperatures and does best in a range between 60°F and 75°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -30°F and maximum temperatures up to about 85°F. However, during extreme heat, the plant will require additional shade and water to prevent stress.
PruningPruning False Spirea promotes healthy growth and improves its appearance. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to encourage additional blooms. Thin out any dead or weak stems in early spring before new growth starts. For a tidy plant and vigorous growth, a more substantial prune can be done every few years, cutting the plant back to about 6 inches above the ground in early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea thrives best in moist, rich soil with good organic matter and a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A mix of garden loam, peat moss, and perlite is ideal to maintain proper drainage and moisture retention.
RepottingFalse Spirea does not need frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and address any root crowding.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea prefers high humidity environments but is adaptable to average garden conditions as long as the soil moisture is maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure moist soil, indirect light, and cool temperatures for indoor False Spirea.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist, and protect from hot afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe 'Amethyst', commonly known as false spirea, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or when it is propagated through division in the spring. The plant emerges as small, fern-like seedlings, which, given appropriate conditions of partial to full shade and moist soil, develop into clump-forming perennials. As it grows, the plant produces distinctive, deeply cut foliage and by mid to late summer, it reaches maturity and sends up plume-like flower panicles that range from soft lavender to deep purple. After flowering, the plant sets seed which can be collected for propagation or left to self-seed in the garden. In the autumn, the foliage typically turns a yellow-brown and the plant begins to enter dormancy; the above-ground parts die back with the onset of winter. With the return of spring, the plant regrows from its crown and rhizomes, continuing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagating Astilbe 'Amethyst' is through division, which is ideally done in early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. The process involves carefully digging up an established clump and gently separating it into smaller sections by hand or with the use of a sharp knife or spade. Each section should have at least two or three growth buds or shoots and a portion of the root system. After division, the new plants should be replanted at the same soil depth they were growing at previously and watered thoroughly. This method allows for rapid increase and is preferred as it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant.
