Crispa Astilbe Astilbe × crispa 'Lilliput'
ABOUT
The Astilbe × crispa 'Lilliput', often known simply as Astilbe 'Lilliput', is a charming perennial known for its striking foliage and showy flower plumes. It has a mounded habit, with a dense and bushy appearance. The leaves are uniquely crinkled or crisped, with deep indentations that give them a rich texture. They are a deep green color, sometimes with a hint of bronze, and have a glossy appearance that catches the light. The flowers of Astilbe 'Lilliput' are equally attractive. They form fluffy, upright plumes that stand out above the foliage. These plumes are densely packed with tiny flowers, creating a feathery effect. The flowers come in a range of colors, often in various shades of pink, and they have a light, airy quality. They bloom in the summer months, providing a pop of color in the garden. This Astilbe is also appreciated for its hardiness and its ability to thrive in shady garden spots where other flowering plants might struggle. It's often used in borders, woodland settings, and shade gardens, where its decorative foliage and distinctive flower plumes can be admired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Goat's Beard, False Spirea
Common names
Astilbe × crispa 'Lilliput'
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence that suggests ingestion of Astilbe causes poisoning in humans, and it is typically regarded as a safe plant in gardens with respect to human health.
To pets
Astilbe is also considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of the Astilbe plant should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning in pets, making it a pet-friendly option for gardeners.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Compact Growth: 'Lilliput' stays small, making it suitable for borders or small gardens.
- Attractive Flowers: Produces showy plumes of pink flowers that add color and texture to garden spaces.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in partial to full shade, offering a flowering option for darker areas of the garden.
- Easy to Grow: Low maintenance and easy to care for, making it ideal for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming: Has a lengthy blooming period from late spring to midsummer, providing extended visual interest.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer, helping to ensure the plant's survival and flowering potential.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and benefiting other garden plants.
- Drought Resistance: Can withstand temporary dry periods once established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers appealing foliage that adds visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Cold Hardy: Can survive in colder climates, making it a versatile plant for various hardiness zones.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Miniature Garden Accent: Due to its compact size, Astilbe 'Lilliput' is perfect for adding texture and color to fairy gardens or miniature landscapes.
- Dried Floral Arrangements: The flowers of Astilbe 'Lilliput' can be dried and used in floral arrangements, providing a lasting and unique texture.
- Photography Prop: Because of its distinctive plumes, Astilbe 'Lilliput' is often used by photographers as a naturally beautiful prop or backdrop in garden photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: The delicate form and color of Astilbe 'Lilliput' inspire artists and can be used as a living model for paintings and botanical illustrations.
- Edging Plants: Astilbe 'Lilliput' can serve as an attractive edging plant along walkways or flower beds, adding definition and interest to garden design.
- Container Gardens: Astilbe 'Lilliput' is suitable for container gardening, adding height and drama to mixed plantings on patios or balconies.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the flowers of Astilbe 'Lilliput' can be used as a decorative garnish for plating and presentation in culinary dishes.
- Themed Garden Collections: Astilbe 'Lilliput' can be part of a 'storybook' themed garden collection, serving as a character plant because of its fairy-tale name and enchanting appearance.
- Water Feature Companion: Astilbe 'Lilliput' can be planted near water features to add a soft, feathery texture and a pop of color beside ponds or streams.
- Soil Erosion Control: Their root systems can help stabilize the soil in sloped gardens or areas prone to erosion, despite their smaller size.
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: Astilbe, in general, symbolizes perseverance and resilience, likely due to its hardiness and ability to thrive in shade.
- Patience: Their shade-loving nature and gradual growth process represent patience and the idea that good things come to those who wait.
- Hope: The lush and feathery plumes of flowers can signify hope and a belief in a positive future.
- Delicate beauty: The soft and intricate flowers of Astilbe 'Lilliput', despite their resilience, convey a sense of delicate beauty and care.
WaterFalse Spiraea prefers consistently moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. During the growing season, especially in the absence of rainfall, it should be watered once or twice a week. The amount of water needed for each watering session may vary, but aim for about 1 inch of water, ensuring it reaches the roots without causing waterlogging. It is recommended to provide approximately 1 gallon per square foot every week during hot and dry periods. During winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.
LightFalse Spiraea thrives in partial shade to filtered sunlight. The ideal location for this plant would be a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in full, harsh sunlight as it can scorch the delicate foliage.
TemperatureFalse Spiraea is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it performs best when the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -20°F, making it suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. During the heat of the summer, it's important to protect the plant from extreme heat above 85°F by providing shade or adequate water.
PruningFalse Spiraea should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and to maintain its shape. Cut back the faded flower panicles after blooming to encourage a second flush of flowers. In early spring, before new growth begins, trim back the entire plant to about 4 to 6 inches above ground level to promote vigorous growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning once annually is typically sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea thrives in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter with good drainage, favoring an acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal to retain moisture while preventing waterlogging.
RepottingFalse Spirea typically needs repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best done in the spring just before the growing season starts.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 80%. Consistently moist air helps mimic its natural, humid woodland habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in partial shade, with high humidity, and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in shade to part shade, keep soil moist, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe x crispa 'Lilliput', commonly known as Dwarf Astilbe, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome, which, when planted in early spring, will sprout and develop a compact clump of crinkled, glossy green foliage. As temperatures warm, the plant enters the vegetative growth stage where it rapidly grows leaves in preparation for flowering. By mid to late summer, Dwarf Astilbe produces dense, pyramidal panicles of feathery, delicate flowers in shades of pink or red, which attract pollinators and can last several weeks. After the blooming period, the flowers fade and seed heads may form; however, propagation is more commonly done by dividing the rhizomes every few years to rejuvenate the plant. In the fall, the foliage may turn a bronze color before the plant enters dormancy over winter. With the arrival of the next spring, the cycle repeats as new growth emerges from the rhizomes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Astilbe × crispa 'Lilliput', commonly known as Dwarf Astilbe, is best propagated by division. This process is typically done in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and split the clump into smaller sections, each with several growth points or "eyes." Each section should have a portion of the root system intact. These divisions can then be replanted into prepared soil, spaced appropriately to allow for the growth and spread of the plant. Ensure that the transplants are kept well-watered until they are established. This method encourages the healthy growth of new independent plants while maintaining the characteristics of the parent plant.
