False spirea Astilbe 'Lollipop'
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Lollipop' is a charming perennial known for its feathery plumes of flowers that come in a soft pink to lilac shade. The lush, frothy blooms emerge above a mound of fern-like foliage, which typically sports a deep green color with hints of bronze. The leaves are finely divided, creating an air of lightness and delicate texture that acts as a perfect contrast to the showy flower spikes. As a visually appealing ornamental plant, Astilbe 'Lollipop' adds a touch of whimsy and vibrant color to shady garden spots, often being used to brighten up woodland settings or borders. Its fluffy blooms also make it a favorite for fresh floral arrangements and are known to attract pollinators like butterflies. When in flower, the plant exhibits a rich, yet soft, pastel palette, which makes it stand out among other shade-loving plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
False Spirea, False Goat's Beard, Meadow Sweet.
Common names
Astilbe 'Lollipop'.
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe, commonly known as false spirea, is not considered toxic to humans. Generally, if ingested, it should not cause any harmful effects. However, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically intended for consumption.
To pets
Astilbe, often referred to as false spirea when discussing pet safety, is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingestion of this plant typically should not result in any serious symptoms of poisoning. Nevertheless, it is best practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a general precaution, and to monitor for any unusual behavior if ingestion occurs, as individual reactions can differ.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: The Astilbe 'Lollipop' features eye-catching plumes of densely packed, tiny flowers, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Shade Tolerance: This perennial plant thrives in partial to full shade, offering a blooming option for garden areas with less sunlight.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Astilbe 'Lollipop' requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners looking for hassle-free plants.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a long flowering season from late spring to midsummer, providing extended visual interest in the garden.
- Adds Texture: The fern-like foliage and fluffy flower spikes of Astilbe 'Lollipop' add unique texture to plantings and flower arrangements.
- Attracts Pollinators: While in bloom, the flowers attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden ecosystem.
- Resistance to Pests: Astilbe 'Lollipop' is generally resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, which helps to reduce damage from garden pests.
- Moisture Lover: This plant prefers moist soils, making it suitable for waterside plantings or areas with higher soil moisture content.
- Variety of Uses: It can be used in an array of landscape applications, including borders, woodland gardens, and as a groundcover.
- Compatibility with Other Plants: Astilbe 'Lollipop' pairs well with other shade-loving perennials, such as hostas and ferns, for stunning garden compositions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Astilbe 'Lollipop' can be used for natural dyeing, as some parts of the plant may yield colors like pink or light green when treated properly.
- The dried plumes of the Astilbe 'Lollipop' are often included in potpourri mixes, adding both color and texture to the arrangement.
- Astilbe 'Lollipop' can be part of a living wall or vertical garden due to its relatively shallow root system and aesthetic foliage.
- In garden ponds, the foliage of Astilbe 'Lollipop' can provide a gentle, contrasting backdrop against the broad leaves of water plants.
- The feathery plumes of the Astilbe 'Lollipop' make for delicate, natural-themed Christmas decorations when sprayed with a light dusting of artificial snow.
- Creative garnishes can be made from the delicate flowers of the Astilbe 'Lollipop' for plating and presenting upscale culinary dishes.
- Children's fairy gardens can be adorned with the miniature-like quality of Astilbe 'Lollipop' plumes to simulate a fantasy forest scenery.
- The resilient stems of the Astilbe 'Lollipop' are used in crafting lightweight natural structures, such as small trellises for other plants.
- Astilbe 'Lollipop' foliage can be used to create subtle patterns in cement or plaster for garden pathways or stepping stones when pressed into wet material and removed once set.
- Photographers sometimes use the blooms of the Astilbe 'Lollipop' as a soft-focus foreground or background in portraits and macro photography to add depth and interest.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Astilbe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Astilbe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Patience and Dedication: The growth process of the Astilbe requires patience, as it is a perennial that becomes more robust with each passing year. Its symbolism in this regard speaks to the importance of nurturing relationships and projects over time.
- Hope and Confidence: With its feathery plumes of flowers, the Astilbe is often associated with hope and the confidence to overcome challenges, symbolizing positive expectations for the future.
- Grace and Elegance: Astilbe's delicate fern-like foliage and airy blooms lend a graceful presence to any garden, embodying elegance and a gentle composure.
WaterFalse Spirea should be kept consistently moist, so watering it thoroughly once a week is usually sufficient. During hot, dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. When watering, use about one gallon per plant, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage deep root growth. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of foliar diseases. It's crucial not to let the soil dry out completely, as False Spirea does not tolerate drought well.
LightFalse Spirea thrives in partial shade to full shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day or light morning sun followed by shade in the afternoon. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves and lead to stress, so avoid placing it in a full sun location.
TemperatureFalse Spirea prefers cool to moderate temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperature dips down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit but may struggle if temperatures rise consistently above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It's best positioned in a location where it's protected from the hot afternoon sun during the warmer months.
PruningPruning False Spirea is done to maintain its size, shape, and to remove spent flowers, promoting better blooms in the next season. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Deadhead the flower stems after blooming if desired, but it's not strictly necessary as False Spirea do not typically self-seed aggressively. The plant can be cut back to the ground every few years to rejuvenate and encourage more vigorous growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the False Spirea 'Lollipop,' the best soil mix is rich, organic, and well-draining with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Amend garden soil with compost and peat moss to increase fertility and moisture retention.
RepottingFalse Spirea 'Lollipop' should be divided and repotted every 3 to 4 years in the spring to refresh the soil and manage its growth.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea 'Lollipop' thrives in average to high humidity levels, ideally around 60-80%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide filtered light, moist soil, and high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe 'Lollipop', commonly known as False Goat's Beard or False Spirea, starts its life as a dormant rhizome or crown that is planted in moist, fertile soil in early spring. Once temperatures warm, new shoots emerge, developing into a clump of deeply cut, glossy foliage. Throughout late spring and early summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, sending up plume-like flower stalks that can range in color from soft pink to rich mauve. After blooming, the flowers may fade and dry on the plant, during which time seed development occurs, although Astilbe is more commonly propagated by division. As fall approaches, foliage may yellow and wither as the plant enters dormancy, preparing to survive the winter. In subsequent years, the plant will undergo a similar annual cycle of growth, blooming, and dormancy, gradually increasing in size and vigor with each season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Astilbe 'Lollipop', commonly known as false spirea or false goat's beard, is typically propagated through division. The best time to divide and propagate this plant is in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To do this, carefully dig up the entire clump of the Astilbe 'Lollipop' ensuring that you get as much of the root system as possible. Then, using a sharp, clean knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several good shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions promptly, maintaining the same soil depth as before, and water them well to help establish the new plants. It is important to keep the soil moist as the divisions take root, especially during their first growing season.
