False Goat's Beard Astilbe 'Hennie Graafland' (simplicifolia hybrid)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Hennie Graafland' is a striking perennial known for its beautiful fern-like foliage and fluffy, plume-like flowers. The leaves of the plant are deeply divided, producing a delicate lacey effect, and have a rich, glossy green color that forms an attractive mound. Each stem typically bears many tiny flowers closely packed together, creating feathery flower spikes. These blooms come in a charming soft pink shade and carry a light, graceful appearance that adds a touch of whimsy to garden spaces. Astilbe 'Hennie Graafland' blooms in the summer, with the flower spikes rising above the mound of foliage, attracting butterflies and pollinators to the garden. The plant has a clump-forming habit, which allows it to gracefully fill in garden beds and borders. The contrast between the lush green foliage and the soft pink flower spikes makes 'Hennie Graafland' a desirable choice for gardeners looking to add texture and color to their shade or woodland gardens. Its flowers also make excellent additions to cut flower arrangements, bringing a bit of the garden's serenity indoors.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Goat's Beard, False Spirea
Common names
Astilbe simplicifolia 'Hennie Graafland'
ToxicityTo humans
The Astilbe, also known as False Goat's Beard, is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. In general, the Astilbe genus is considered safe and does not pose a significant risk if ingested. However, it is always advisable to avoid consuming plants that are not intended for human consumption, as individual reactions can vary.
To pets
The Astilbe, or False Goat's Beard, is generally considered non-toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. This means that if a pet ingests part of an Astilbe plant, it is unlikely to experience significant symptoms of poisoning. As with any non-edible plant, consumption should still be discouraged, and if any health concerns arise after ingestion, a veterinarian should be consulted.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to garden spaces with its plumes of soft, feathery flowers.
- Attracts Wildlife: Lures pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Shade Tolerant: Thrives in partially shaded areas where other sun-loving plants might struggle.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a burst of color in the summer months and interesting foliage even after the flowers fade.
- Erosion Control: Helps prevent soil erosion in the garden with its dense foliage and root system.
- Companion Planting: Pairs well with other shade garden plants, creating harmonious garden designs.
- Durability: Resistant to most pests and diseases, ensuring a robust and long-lasting garden presence.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The colorful blooms of Astilbe can be used in the process of natural dyeing, rendering a delicate hue to fabrics and yarns.
- In fish tanks: Although not a typical aquatic plant, its roots and leaves might be used in fish tanks for ornamental purposes after proper treatment to ensure they do not decompose quickly.
- Dried flower arrangements: Astilbe flowers can retain their shape and color when dried, making them a good option for creating long-lasting floral displays.
- Erosion control: When planted in masses, Astilbe can help prevent soil erosion on slopes due to its dense root system.
- Garden borders: With its mounding habit and feathery plumes, Astilbe works well as a soft border in formal garden designs.
- Culinary garnish: Although not widely recognized as an edible, the delicate appearance of Astilbe flowers could lend themselves as a non-toxic garnish for plating high-end dishes.
- Photography props: The striking appearance of Astilbe flowers makes them an excellent prop for still life photography or otherwise artistically-inclined photography projects.
- Education: Astilbe plants can be used in horticultural education to demonstrate shade gardening or the care of rhizomatous plants.
- Fragrance sachets: While not typically known for their scent, dried Astilbe flowers can be combined with other more fragrant botanicals to create decorative and subtly scented sachets.
- Artistic inspiration: The texture and structure of Astilbe plumes can serve as inspiration for artists and designers, offering natural forms to influence patterns and textures in their work.
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: Astilbes often symbolize a patient and enduring love, as they bloom with soft, feathery plumes that gently emerge over time, representing the slow unfolding of deep affection.
- Beauty in Retirement: With the specific name 'Hennie Graafland,' this variety may evoke themes of retiring beauty or the graceful aging process, akin to someone stepping back to enjoy the fruits of their lifelong labors with poise.
- Hope and Dreams: The appearance of the astilbe, with its dense clusters of blossoms, can also signify hope and the embodiment of dreams, resembling a multitude of small wishes grouped together for a collective impact on the viewer.
WaterThe False Spirea should be kept consistently moist, so regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, providing about an inch of water each time. During hotter, drier weeks, check the soil more frequently, and it may be necessary to water every couple of days. Ensure not to flood the plant; the goal is to maintain a moist soil environment.
LightFalse Spirea thrives best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It should be placed in a location where it receives dappled sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Avoid exposing it to the harsh, midday sun, especially in warmer zones, as this can stress the plant and lead to foliage burn.
TemperatureFalse Spirea grows optimally in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures as low as 4 degrees and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. However, prolonged exposure outside this range can be harmful to the plant. The ideal growing conditions are cool to moderate temperatures with good air circulation.
PruningFalse Spirea should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom, improve air circulation, or maintain a desired shape. The best time for pruning is after its first bloom, typically in late summer or early fall. Regularly removing dead or damaged stems can be done any time of the year as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea thrives in rich, organic, moist, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A good mix would be equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage and fertility. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and coolness.
RepottingFalse Spirea should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root bound. It's best to repot in early spring before new growth starts, using the aforementioned soil mix to refresh nutrients.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea prefers high humidity levels, around 60-80%. It thrives in moist environments, which mimic its natural woodland habitat. Avoid placing it in excessively dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light, high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe 'Hennie Graafland', also known as false spirea, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which is typically carried out in moist, well-drained soil under partial to full shade. Once germinated, the seedling develops into a young plant with distinctive foliage and begins establishing a strong root system. As it matures, the false spirea enters a vegetative state, producing dense clumps of deeply cut, dark green leaves on which the overall health of the plant largely depends. During the flowering stage in the early to mid-summer, the plant produces plume-like panicles of small, delicate, pink flowers that attract pollinators and provide aesthetic value. After blooming, seeds are formed and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle, and the plant goes into dormancy during the winter, withdrawing energy back into the roots to survive until the next growing season. Finally, in the spring, the false spirea emerges from dormancy, and the cycle repeats as new growth appears.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The Astilbe 'Hennie Graafland', also known as False Goat's Beard, is most commonly propagated through division, which is best done in the spring or fall.Astilbes have a clumping growth habit, which makes division straightforward. To propagate, you start by digging up an established clump and gently separating it into smaller sections, each with at least one bud or eye. These sections are then replanted at the same depth they were originally growing, usually about an inch or two (2.5 to 5 centimeters) beneath the soil surface. The divisions should be watered thoroughly after planting. This method allows gardeners to rapidly increase their stock of plants while ensuring that the offspring remain true to the characteristics of the parent plant. It's important to maintain even moisture after propagation to help the newly planted divisions establish themselves.
