False Spirea Astilbe 'Atrorosea' (simplicifolia hybrid)

Water

False Spirea prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. In periods of drought or extreme heat, watering may be increased to maintain soil moisture. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the top 6 inches of soil, which usually equates to about 1 to 1.5 gallons for an established plant. Adjust the amount of water according to the plant size and the weather conditions, and always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.

Light

False Spirea thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives filtered sunlight or shade for most of the day, with a little morning sun or late afternoon sun being beneficial but not harsh midday sun. It is well-suited for shaded garden beds or woodland settings, where it can be protected from the intense direct sunlight that can scorch its delicate foliage.

Temperature

False Spirea grows well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers moderate climates. It can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to about -30°F and can survive in summer temperatures up to about 85°F. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 75°F, as it prefers cooler conditions, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Pruning

False Spirea should be pruned to remove spent flowers and to maintain its shape. Pruning encourages new growth and a second, although smaller, bloom. The best time for pruning is immediately after the first bloom has faded, typically in late spring or early summer. Prune annually, cutting back the flower stems to a healthy set of leaves, and thin out any crowded or dead stems to keep the plant tidy and vigorous.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

False Spirea thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal to ensure proper moisture retention and drainage.

Repotting

False Spirea should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the early spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

False Spirea prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Maintaining a humidity range around 40-60% is beneficial for the plant's growth and health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in indirect light, ensure high humidity, and water regularly.

• Outdoor

  Plant in part shade, keep soil moist, protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Astilbe 'Atrorosea', commonly known as False Spirea, begins its life as a dormant rhizome, which sprouts in early spring when temperatures start to rise. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage, developing feathered foliage and sturdy stems in preparation for blooming. Throughout late spring to midsummer, the False Spirea produces tall flower plumes in shades of pink, which attract pollinators and can last for several weeks. After flowering, the plant sets seed, though Astilbe is more commonly propagated by division of the rhizomes. In autumn, the foliage typically turns yellow and the plant enters senescence, eventually dying back to the ground with the onset of cold weather. Throughout winter, the plant lies dormant underground, conserving energy to repeat the cycle in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter - Early Spring

• The most popular method of propagating Astilbe 'Atrorosea' is by division. This typically occurs in the spring or autumn when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully dig up an established clump ensuring to keep a good amount of roots intact. They should then gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. The divisions can then be replanted in moist, well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing. It's important to water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This technique allows the gardener to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent and can quickly bulk up their garden display.