False goat's beard Astilbe 'Diamant' (× arendsii)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Diamant', commonly known as False Spirea or simply Astilbe, is a perennial plant notable for its lush and finely textured, deep green foliage that provides a beautiful backdrop for its distinctive blooms. The leaves are compound with multiple leaflets and have a fern-like appearance. The overall shape of the foliage is mounded, which creates a full and bushy presentation. During its blooming period, Astilbe 'Diamant' produces showy plumes of tiny, star-shaped flowers that are pure white in color. These flowers are densely packed in elongated clusters, known as panicles, that rise above the foliage on sturdy stems, giving the plant a feathery and delicate appearance. The blossoms offer a sense of lightness and can add brightness to shady garden areas. The contrast between the bright white blooms and the dark green foliage is striking, making Astilbe 'Diamant' a popular choice for adding visual interest to the landscape. Its overall appearance creates a soft and romantic aesthetic, and the plant is often used in garden designs for its texture and color. The blooms may also attract pollinators, adding a lively dimension to its garden presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
False Spirea, False Goat's Beard, Feather Flower.
Common names
Astilbe × arendsii 'Diamant'
ToxicityTo humans
False Spirea is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting this plant typically does not lead to any symptoms of poisoning or adverse health consequences. However, it is generally not advisable to eat ornamental plants due to the potential presence of pesticides or other chemicals that may be used in gardening.
To pets
False Spirea is generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not expected to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or adverse health effects if pets ingest parts of this plant. Despite its non-toxic status, it is always best to prevent pets from consuming plants, as individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Abundant and plume-like, these flowers add an elegant and visually striking element to garden landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal choice for shaded gardens where other plants might struggle.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient option for busy gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: Features a lengthy flowering time from late spring to midsummer, providing extended color in the garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Good Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements thanks to their durability and appearance.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Typically avoided by deer and rabbits, reducing the need for protective measures.
- Versatile Landscaping Uses: Can be used in mass plantings, as border plants, or in woodland gardens for added texture and color contrast.
- Soil Erosion Control: Helps prevent soil erosion when planted on slopes or in areas prone to erosion thanks to its dense foliage.
- Winter Interest: Though it dies back in winter, the dried flower stalks can add textural interest to the winter garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrops: Astilbe makes a stunning backdrop for photography, showcasing intricate flowers that add depth and interest to close-up or macro shots.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique form and structure of Astilbe can serve as a fascinating subject for paintings, drawings, or even sculptures.
- Fairy Gardens: Astilbe's frothy blooms and fern-like foliage make them an excellent choice for creating whimsical fairy garden landscapes.
- Educational Tool: Because Astilbe has distinctive features and various growth requirements, it can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology and horticulture.
- Pressed Flower Craft: The blooms of Astilbe can be pressed and used to create delicate and intricate pressed flower art, bookmarks, or cards.
- Model Landscapes: Miniaturists and model train enthusiasts can use Astilbe to add realistic vegetation to their scaled-down landscapes or dioramas.
- Nature-Inspired Design: Astilbe's texture and shape can influence design elements in fashion or home decor, like in textiles or wallpaper patterns.
- Theme Gardens: Astilbe can contribute to the overall aesthetic of theme gardens, such as Victorian or cottage-style gardens, with its old-world charm.
- Seasonal Decor: Dried Astilbe flowers can be incorporated into autumnal wreathes or other forms of seasonal decor due to their enduring structure after blooming.
- Plant Photography Contests: The captivating beauty of Astilbe makes it a strong candidate for submission in plant and garden photography competitions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Astilbe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Astilbe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience: Astilbe takes time to bloom and requires sufficient moisture and care, symbolizing the virtue of patience in nurturing relationships and personal growth.
- Endurance: The plant's ability to thrive in shade symbolizes resilience and the capacity to endure challenging circumstances.
- Dedication: The detailed care Astilbe needs reflects dedication and the importance of attentive nurturing in various aspects of life.
- Hope: As a flowering plant, Astilbe represents hope and the expectation of joy and beauty to come.
WaterFalse Spirea should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil moisture level and climate conditions; more often during dry, hot spells. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, as False Spirea thrives in a damp environment. When watering, aim to provide about one inch of water, which might be approximately 0.6 gallons per square foot of soil every week, though this can vary based on soil type and weather. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases; instead, use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the plant.
LightFalse Spirea prefers partial shade, especially in the afternoon to protect it from the intense sun. The ideal spot would offer morning sunlight and dappled or full shade in the afternoon. This plant can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in hotter regions, it must be protected from the strong midday rays to prevent scorching of its delicate leaves.
TemperatureFalse Spirea grows best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are generally hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, indicating their ability to survive winter freezes. For optimal growth, aim to provide a stable temperature within the ideal range, as extreme changes can stress the plant.
PruningPrune False Spirea to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom, as well as to maintain its shape and health. The best time to prune is after the first bloom has finished, usually late spring to early summer. Cut the flower stalks back by a third to a half, which often stimulates a second, though less abundant, flush of flowers later in the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite will create an optimal environment for its roots, promoting healthy growth and abundant flowering.
RepottingFalse Spirea generally does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Check the root system annually, repotting only if the plant becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea prefers a high humidity environment, ideally around 60-80%. Maintaining this humidity level around the plant will support its lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright, indirect light with moist soil and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Part shade to full shade, consistently moist soil, sheltered from wind.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of an Astilbe 'Diamant' (× arendsii), commonly known as False Spirea, begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in a moist and shaded environment as this plant prefers damp soil and indirect light. Following sprouting, the seedling develops a root system and foliage, transitioning to a vegetative stage where it grows in clumps, forming a mound of deeply-cut, fern-like leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically in early to mid-summer, producing tall, feathery plumes of white flowers that attract pollinators and add to garden aesthetics. After the flowering period, the plant sets seed, which can spread to create new plants, or the plant can be propagated through division in the spring or fall. In late autumn, the foliage of False Spirea dies back with the onset of colder temperatures, and the plant enters a dormant stage, conserving energy in its rhizomes through the winter. In spring, the cycle recommences as new growth emerges from the rhizomes, starting a new year's cycle of growth, flowering, and dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Astilbe 'Diamant', also known as false spirea, is through division. This is best done in the late fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant and gently separate the crown into smaller sections, each with several growth points or "eyes." Make sure that each section has a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the roots in their new location. This method is effective because it rejuvenates older plants while simultaneously creating new ones.
