False goat's beard Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink' (simplicifolia hybrid)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink', commonly known as false goat's beard, is admired for its decorative appearance. It features an array of fluffy, feather-like plumes in a delightful soft pink hue that gracefully arch above the foliage when in bloom. Each plume is a compound structure made up of many small flowers delicately clustered together, providing a frothy, cloud-like effect that adds texture to garden spaces. The leaves of the false goat's beard are deeply lobed with a fern-like appearance, bringing an element of fine texture even when the plant is not in flower. These leaves typically showcase a rich green color which forms a dense, mounded foliage clump beneath the flowering stalks. As the seasons change, the plumes may turn to a tan or brown color, which can provide visual interest in the fall and winter months. The contrast between the soft pink blooms and the rich green foliage, along with the plant's feathery, light-catching flower structures, makes Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink' a sought-after choice for gardeners aiming to create a space with varied textures and soft color palettes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Goat's Beard, False Spirea
Common names
Astilbe simplicifolia 'Inshriach Pink'.
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink' is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widely reported symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant. It is generally safe to have in gardens and homes from a toxicity standpoint.
To pets
Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink' is also usually seen as non-toxic to pets. It does not typically pose a risk of poisoning if ingested by animals such as dogs or cats, and there should be no symptoms of toxicity observed. It is considered pet-friendly in terms of plant safety.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink' adds soft texture and vibrant pink blooms to gardens, enhancing visual interest.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in shady areas where many other plants struggle, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers can attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Drought Resistance: While it prefers moist conditions, it can tolerate periods of dryness once it is well-established.
- Compact Growth: It has a clumping habit that prevents it from overtaking other plants, fitting well into smaller gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers interest from spring through fall with its foliage and blooms, and even in winter with its dried flower heads.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Less palatable to deer and rabbits, which can help prevent damage to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Create a natural dye: The flowers of astilbe can be used to produce a soft, pink natural dye for fabrics, wool, or paper.
- Photography backdrop: Astilbe's fluffy, colorful plumes can create a dreamy and romantic backdrop for close-up photography such as wedding invitations or portraits.
- Garden art: Dried astilbe flower stalks can be sprayed with metallic or vivid colors and used in creating decorative garden art pieces.
- Fairy gardens: Miniature varieties of astilbe can be used to add texture and a splash of color in creating enchanting fairy garden landscapes.
- Pressing flowers: The blooms of astilbe can be pressed and used for botanical prints or in crafting personalized bookmarks and greeting cards.
- Education: Astilbe plants can be used in botany courses to teach about perennial life cycles, shade gardening, and hybridization practices.
- Erosion control: Mass plantings of astilbe can help stabilize soil in shaded, erosion-prone areas due to their clumping growth habit.
- Floral crafts: Dried astilbe can be used to add texture and interest to wreaths, potpourri, or other dried floral arrangements.
- Soil moisture indicator: The quick-to-wilt characteristic of astilbe can serve as a natural indicator for gardeners to check soil moisture levels in the garden.
- Pond and stream banks: Astilbe can be planted along the banks of ponds and streams to enhance the aesthetic while providing habitat for wildlife.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAstilbe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAstilbe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patient Love: Astilbe, also known as False Goat's Beard, often symbolizes patience and devoted love due to its lush, feather-like flowers that take time to bloom fully.
- I will Wait for You: This symbolic meaning is tied to its aforementioned symbolism of patience, suggesting a willingness to wait for someone they care deeply about.
- Hope: The Astilbe plant can thrive in shaded areas where other plants may struggle, making it a symbol of hope and overcoming challenges.
WaterFalse Spirea requires consistently moist soil, so regular watering is necessary. In general, water about once or twice a week, providing enough water to soak the soil deeply. This could mean applying 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase the frequency of watering to ensure the soil doesn't dry out, as Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink' can be quite sensitive to dry conditions. Always check the soil moisture about an inch below the surface; if it feels dry, it's time to water.
LightFalse Spirea thrives in partial to full shade conditions. The ideal location for Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink' is a spot that receives morning light with afternoon shade to protect it from the harsh midday sun. Dappled sunlight throughout the day is also suitable for this plant, promoting healthy growth without the risk of leaf scorch.
TemperatureFalse Spirea prefers cooler climates and can tolerate winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink' is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can struggle in excessively hot conditions, particularly if nighttime temperatures do not cool down sufficiently.
PruningPruning False Spirea is mainly for aesthetic purposes and to remove spent flowers. Deadhead Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink' after flowering to encourage additional blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the foliage in late fall or early winter once the leaves have died back. Pruning can be done annually to promote healthy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too crowded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea thrives best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A soil mix comprising equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite would provide the necessary conditions for good growth. Regular organic matter addition will help maintain soil health.
RepottingFalse Spirea typically does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Spring is the best time for repotting to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea prefers a moderate to high humidity level, which can be achieved by placing the plant in a naturally humid environment or by using a humidifier. Mist the area around the plant, not the foliage, to increase humidity if needed.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep False Spirea in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant False Spirea in partial shade with moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink' begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in well-draining soil in late winter or early spring. Germination occurs within a few weeks, and the seedlings then develop into rosettes of foliage. As the weather warms, the plant enters a vigorous vegetative growth stage, producing compound leaves on stout stems. By midsummer, the mature plant produces feathery plumes of pink flowers that attract pollinators and can last several weeks. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be collected for propagation or allowed to fall and self-sow. In fall, the foliage often turns bronze or gold before dying back, as the plant enters dormancy to survive the winter, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Astilbe 'Inshriach Pink', also known as false spirea, is through division. This should be done in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps of roots into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. These sections can then be replanted in a well-draining soil mix, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help them establish. With proper care, these divisions will grow and can be further divided in subsequent years as they mature.
