False Spirea Astilbe 'Bonn' (japonica hybrid)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Bonn', commonly known as False Goat's Beard, boasts a lush, feathery plumes of flowers that create a soft and frothy appearance. These plumes are a deep pink to raspberry color, which make them stand out beautifully against the backdrop of the plant's deep green, fern-like foliage. The leaves of the False Goat's Beard have a glossy finish and are finely cut, contributing to its overall textured and layered look. As the plant blooms, the showy flower spikes rise elegantly above the foliage, creating a striking contrast and adding a touch of grace to any garden setting. The blossoms of the False Goat's Beard can have a fluffy look and are often packed densely along the stems, creating a rich visual effect. The foliage can have a mounded shape, giving it a neat, compact appearance which adds to its ornamental value. The plant has a charm that is both bold due to its flower color and delicate because of the intricate details of its leaves and flower spikes. Overall, Astilbe 'Bonn' is prized for its decorative, feather-like blossoms and its fine-textured foliage, making it a popular choice for shady garden areas or as a complement to other plants in a mixed border.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
False Spirea, False Goat's Beard, Meadowsweet
Common names
Astilbe japonica 'Bonn'
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe, in general, is not considered toxic to humans. It does not typically cause adverse reactions upon ingestion. However, as with any non-food plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and eating non-edible plants is generally discouraged. There are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with Astilbe because it is not classified as a toxic plant to humans.
To pets
Astilbe is not considered toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. There are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with Astilbe as it is not known to be poisonous to them. However, ingestion of any plant material could potentially cause mild stomach upset in some animals due to individual sensitivities or the simple fact of eating non-food plant matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Astilbe 'Bonn' boasts plume-like flowers that add a feathery texture and bright color to gardens, enhancing visual interest.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for adding color to shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Moisture-Loving: Astilbe 'Bonn' prefers moist soil, benefiting areas with wetter conditions by helping to absorb excess water.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal upkeep beyond regular watering, which can benefit gardeners looking for low-effort plants.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as butterflies and bees, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: With blooms in the late spring to early summer, it adds to the seasonal progression of a garden's aesthetics.
- Border Planting: Its medium height makes it suitable for borders or as a background plant in mixed beds, providing structure.
- Resistant to Pests: Astilbe 'Bonn' is resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Durable: This hardy perennial can survive in climates with winter temperatures, coming back each year with minimal winter protection.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Astilbe can be used in fairy gardens due to their fine, fern-like foliage and fluffy flower plumes that add a whimsical touch to miniature landscapes.
- Using Astilbe in corsages and boutonnieres can add a unique texture and softness that contrasts with traditional floral choices.
- Crafting dried flower arrangements, as Astilbe maintains its shape and color well when dried, making it a lasting element in decorative bouquets.
- Employing Astilbe as a natural fabric dye, where the flowers and leaves can be boiled down to extract pigments for dyeing textiles in shades of pink and green.
- Incorporating the plant into edible landscapes, since while not widely known for its edibility, young Astilbe leaves have been experimented with as a salad green when grown in controlled conditions.
- Utilizing Astilbe's structure to create living fences or garden borders, providing both privacy and an attractive floral display.
- Participating in flower photography, as their intricate blooms and the varying shades of pink, red, and white make Astilbe a beautiful subject for close-up shots.
- Creating biodegradable confetti from the petals of Astilbe flowers for use in eco-friendly celebrations or events.
- Using Astilbe plants in rain gardens because they are tolerant of wet soil and can help manage water runoff in landscaped areas.
- Adding Astilbe to mixed plantings in large patio containers to create a multi-textural display with their feathery flower stalks rising above other plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Astilbe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Astilbe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: The Astilbe 'Bonn', sometimes called the False Goat's Beard, is known to bloom with luminous feathery plumes, which require patience to wait for their seasonal blooming period, thus symbolizing patience in anticipation.
- I'll Still Be Waiting: Corresponding to the symbolism of patience, the name "Astilbe" itself can suggest a sentiment of waiting for someone, as if saying, "I'll still be there when you return," aligning with the plant's perennial nature.
- Hope and Positive Thoughts: The radiant and lush appearance of the False Goat's Beard can evoke a sense of optimism and brightness, inspiring hope and the nurturing of positive thought even in challenging conditions.
WaterFalse Spirea should be watered thoroughly once a week, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During periods of high heat or drought, increase watering frequency to twice per week. Adequate watering for False Spirea generally means providing about 1 inch of water each time, soaking the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. In a garden setting, this equates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square foot each week. Care should be taken not to overly saturate the soil, as this can lead to root rot.
LightFalse Spirea thrives in partial shade to filtered sunlight conditions. It is best situated in a spot where it can receive morning sunlight and be protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. The ideal lighting conditions will provide a balance of light and shade through the day, mimicking the plant's natural woodland habitat.
TemperatureFalse Spirea prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can withstand minimum winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant.
PruningFalse Spirea should be pruned to remove spent flowers and maintain shape, typically immediately after blooming in late summer. This encourages healthy new growth and can enhance blooming the following year. It's not necessary to prune every year, but periodic thinning can be done to rejuvenate older plants.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea thrives in moist, rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. For the best results, mix garden soil with compost and peat moss to enhance fertility and water retention.
RepottingFalse Spirea typically doesn't require frequent repotting. It should only be repotted if it outgrows its current container or every 3-4 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea prefers a high humidity environment, similar to its natural forest habitat; ensure ambient humidity is consistently kept high for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use moist, well-draining soil and place in filtered light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, and provide mulch.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cycleAstilbe 'Bonn', commonly known as False Spirea or False Goat's Beard, begins life as a perennial rhizome that sprouts in early spring. Its foliage emerges first, developing into attractive, fern-like leaves. By late spring to early summer, tall, plume-like flower stalks appear, displaying dense panicles of tiny, vivid pink flowers that attract pollinators and provide garden interest. After blooming, the flowers may fade to a brownish color, and if left on the plant, will provide structural interest and can be a source of seeds for propagation. As fall approaches, the foliage typically turns yellowish-bronze and eventually dies back with the onset of winter. The plant then enters dormancy, with the underground rhizome surviving the cold to regenerate the next spring, continuing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Astilbe 'Bonn', commonly referred to as False Goat's Beard or False Spirea, is by division. The ideal time to divide these perennials is in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant ensuring you get a good amount of the root system. Gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system attached. Once divided, the sections can be replanted at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of division helps rejuvenate older plants while increasing your garden's stock.
