False Goat's Beard Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' (× arendsii)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' is an attractive perennial known for its vibrant and fluffy flower plumes which add a soft texture to the garden. The flowers bloom in a striking salmon-pink hue, casting a warm tone over the plant. These plumed flowers are held aloft on strong, erect stems, giving the flower clusters prominence as they rise above the foliage. This foliage is comprised of dense, fern-like leaves that are deeply cut and add a lush greenery at the base of the plant. The leaves often have a glossy appearance which contrast nicely with the soft, feathery flower spikes. Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' has a clump-forming habit, creating a well-shaped, bushy appearance that fills its space in the garden with both texture and color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
False Spirea, False Goat's Beard, Feather Flower.
Common names
Astilbe × arendsii 'Bressingham Beauty'
ToxicityTo humans
The False Spirea is generally considered non-toxic to humans. No significant toxic effects have been reported from ingesting this plant. It is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes without any special precautions needed regarding human toxicity. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of plant parts is not advisable, and if large quantities were consumed, it could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to the non-digestible nature of plant fibers.
To pets
The False Spirea is not known to be toxic to pets. It is regarded as a pet-friendly plant in gardening and landscaping. While it does not contain known toxic compounds that could harm cats, dogs, or other household pets, ingestion of the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals due to irritation from plant fibers. It is always wise to monitor your pets around plants and discourage them from ingesting any non-food plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces plumes of pink blooms that add color and visual interest to gardens.
- Shade Tolerant: Thrives in shady areas where other flowering plants may struggle.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those looking for easy-care landscapes.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers an extended blooming season, usually from mid to late summer.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers are attractive to butterflies and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate your garden.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, woodland gardens, and along pond edges.
- Multiple Seasons of Interest: In addition to summer flowers, the foliage adds texture and color to the garden in spring and fall.
- Soil Erosion Control: Dense growth habit can help prevent soil erosion in sloped or uneven areas.
- Dramatic Cut Flowers: The blooms make for striking cut flowers that can add elegance to bouquets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Astilbe is often used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a gentle, soft color that is derived from its flowers.
- The dried flower plumes of astilbe can be used in crafts, such as making bookmarks or greeting cards, by pressing the flowers and gluing them onto paper products.
- In photography, astilbe is sometimes utilized by photographers as a delicate and fine-textured subject or backdrop for close-up photographs.
- Astilbe can be a thematic element in fairy gardens due to its feathery plumes and foliage adding an ethereal quality to miniature landscapes.
- The plant can be incorporated into culinary presentations as a non-toxic garnish for cold dishes, though it is not consumed.
- During the holidays, astilbe flowers, when sprayed with a light coat of metallic paint, can be used to add a festive flair to wreaths or arrangements.
- Astilbe plants can serve as a natural indicator of soil moisture levels, as their leaves will noticeably droop when the soil becomes too dry.
- The plant can be used in educational settings to teach children about the life cycle of perennials and the structure of flowering plants.
- Gardeners may use astilbe in creating a visually interesting texture contrast when photographing or showcasing a collection of smooth-leafed plants.
- Astilbe flowers can be used as packing material for fragile items due to their soft, cushioning nature when dried.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Astilbe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Astilbe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence and dedication – Astilbe is known for its hardiness and its ability to thrive in shady gardens where other plants may not grow as well, symbolizing a steadfast commitment and the ability to persist through challenging conditions.
- Patience and hope – With its lush, feathery plumes that take time to fully bloom, Astilbe represents the importance of patience and maintains the promise of beauty to come, even if it's not immediately visible.
- Grace and elegance – The delicate and frothy appearance of Astilbe's flowers convey a sense of refinement and sophistication, often associated with gracefulness and a gentle touch.
- I love you still – Due to its enduring nature and romantic, soft flower spikes, Astilbe can symbolize everlasting love and the message that affection endures over time.
WaterFalse Spirea should be kept consistently moist, especially in summer, and never allowed to dry out completely. Provide the plant with about one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or by manual watering. Adjust the amount during hot or dry periods, possibly increasing to two inches weekly, ensuring you water deeply so the moisture reaches the roots. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base, avoiding wetting the foliage which can promote disease. During winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightThe False Spirea thrives in partial shade and should be protected from the hot afternoon sun. A location that offers morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to sparse growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureFalse Spirea prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 75°F. It can tolerate temperatures down to about -20°F in winter but may suffer if exposed to prolonged periods of heat above 85°F. Ideal growing conditions are cool to moderate temperatures with good air circulation.
PruningFalse Spirea benefits from pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom in late summer or fall. Prune in late winter or early spring by cutting back the dead stems to the ground. This also helps maintain the plant's shape and vigor, promoting new growth for the upcoming season. Prune after the first flush of flowers if aiming for a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea thrives in a soil mix that is moist, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. The best mix consists of garden loam, peat, and perlite or sand to improve drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingFalse Spirea typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-4 years to refresh the soil. Divide the roots during repotting to propagate or manage plant size.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 80%. This ensures the foliage remains healthy, and the plant can thrive in its preferred moist environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright, indirect light; maintain high humidity; keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Partial shade to full sun; moist, rich soil; mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty', also known as False Spirea, begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown or propagated by division in the spring. The plant emerges from dormancy with feathery foliage after the last frost, entering its growth stage where leaves and stems develop rapidly in preparation for flowering. In early to mid-summer, it reaches the flowering stage, producing tall, plume-like flowers in shades of pink, which attract pollinators and can last for several weeks. After blooming, the False Spirea enters the seed formation stage, where flowers turn into seed heads that can self-sow or be collected for propagation. As autumn approaches, the plant's foliage often changes color, providing autumn interest before the plant enters the senescence phase, with foliage dying back and the plant becoming dormant over winter. The life cycle is completed as the plant once again resumes growth the following spring, repeating this annual pattern.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' is by division, which is best done in the spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring that each clump has at least one growth point. Replant the divided clumps at the same soil depth they were growing before, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the root system. This method of propagation is not only simple but also helps to rejuvenate older clumps that might have become woody or less vigorous over time.
