False Spirea Astilbe 'Look at Me' (PBR) (× arendsii)
ABOUT
The Astilbe 'Look at Me' is a striking perennial known for its vibrant floral display and lush foliage. This plant features a rich, feathery plume of flowers that are densely packed together on upright stems. The blossoms radiate a captivating pink hue that can range from a soft, pastel pink to a more vivacious bubblegum shade, depending on its environment and maturity. As for the leaves, they are intricately shaped with deep lobes and a somewhat glossy texture, providing a vivid green backdrop that complements the dramatic blooms. These leaves are typically divided, resembling a fern in their delicate and lacy appearance, which adds a layer of textural interest to the garden. Overall, Astilbe 'Look at Me' presents itself as a lush, mound-forming plant with its showy flower spikes gracefully rising above the foliage, creating a delightful contrast of color and form. This makes it an excellent choice for adding a pop of color and texture to shaded garden areas or for creating visual interest in perennial borders. Its appearance embodies a cottage garden aesthetic, offering both visual appeal and charm to its surroundings. With its inviting color and stately flower plumes, it's no wonder that this plant is often sought after for its ability to attract attention and enliven the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Spirea, False Goat's Beard, Feather Flower
Common names
Astilbe × arendsii 'Look at Me' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning or adverse reactions from ingesting Astilbe, and it is generally considered safe to handle and plant in gardens without the risk of toxicity to people.
To pets
Astilbe is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally regarded as a safe plant in gardens where pets are present, with no significant reports of poisoning in animals such as dogs and cats from ingestion. Pet owners can typically grow Astilbe without concern for the wellbeing of their domestic animals.
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
4-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Astilbe 'Look at Me' is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Shade Tolerant: It thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden areas where other plants might struggle.
- Adds Color and Texture: With its feathery plumes of flowers and fern-like foliage, it adds a unique visual appeal to the landscape.
- Good for Borders: The compact size and clumping habit make it a good fit for garden borders and edges.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a longer blooming period compared to some other perennials, which can enhance the garden's interest over the summer months.
- Resistant to Deer and Rabbits: The plant is less palatable to deer and rabbits, which helps prevent it from being eaten by these garden pests.
- Improves Soil: The plant's root system can help to improve soil structure over time.
- Moisture Loving: Astilbe 'Look at Me' is suitable for wet or consistently moist soils, making it ideal for waterside plantings or bog gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Astilbe 'Look at Me' can be used as a vibrant and textural background or feature in macro photography, enhancing the visual appeal of the photo with its fluffy plumes.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to its whimsical appearance, the Astilbe can be an enchanting addition to miniature fairy gardens, offering a touch of magic and color.
- Educational Tool: Astilbe plants can be used in schools or children's workshops to teach about plant growth, pollination, and the lifecycle of perennials.
- Craft Material: The dried flower plumes of the Astilbe can be used in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or other paper crafts, providing a unique texture and appearance.
- Color Dye: Petals and leaves of the Astilbe may be boiled to extract natural dyes for fabrics or art projects, potentially yielding soft pastel colors.
- Perfume Industry: Although not commonly known for their scent, Astilbes can contribute to the creation of subtle, earthy fragrances in artisanal perfumes.
- Culinary Decoration: While not typically consumed, the delicate flowers of the Astilbe can be used to decorate cakes and desserts for a floral presentation.
- Sound Insulation: The bushy clumps of the Astilbe plant can help absorb sound in a small garden space, creating a quieter and more serene atmosphere.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique form and color of Astilbes can serve as inspiration for artists and designers looking to incorporate natural elements into their work.
- Living Mulch: When planted densely, Astilbe can act as living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds with their foliage.
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: Astilbe blooms gracefully over time, symbolizing the patience required in love and relationships to bloom fully.
- Dedication: With its long-lasting flowers, Astilbe represents a commitment or dedication to a cause or a person.
- Protection: The dense foliage and plume-like flowers can symbolize a shelter or a protective quality over loved ones.
- Prosperity: The lushness of the Astilbe often implies abundance and prosperity, making it a good omen for wealth and fruitful endeavors.
WaterFalse Spirea should be kept consistently moist, which often means watering once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions. An inch of water weekly is a good rule of thumb, but be sure to adjust based on rainfall and temperature as these plants can be sensitive to drought. During hot spells or in particularly dry climates, increase watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It's best to water deeply and directly at the soil level to encourage root growth and avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Always ensure the plant is in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
LightFalse Spirea thrives in partial shade to filtered sun conditions. It's best to plant it in a spot where it will be shielded from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates, as too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch. Morning sun with afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, are ideal lighting conditions for this plant.
TemperatureFalse Spirea grows well in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers cooler climates. The ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. The plant may struggle in temperatures above 85°F, so in hotter regions, providing shade is crucial to protect it from heat stress.
PruningPruning False Spirea is necessary to remove spent flower heads and to promote the growth of next year's blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It's not necessary to prune every year; you can do it every few years or as needed to shape the plant or control its size. After the blooms have faded, you can deadhead to tidy up the plant, but this is more for aesthetic purposes rather than a horticultural requirement.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea thrives in a rich, moist, organic soil mix with good drainage and a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal for potting.
RepottingFalse Spirea should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound to ensure continued health and growth.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea prefers high humidity levels; aim for a humidity range of 60-80% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use moist, well-draining soil and bright indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in moist soil, partial shade, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of an Astilbe, commonly known as False Goat's Beard, begins with seed germination, typically occurring in moist, well-drained soil in partially shaded conditions. After sprouting, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants with characteristic fern-like foliage. As the plants mature, they form robust clumps with deep roots and produce tall, plume-like flowers in shades of pink, attracting pollinators during the blooming season, which is usually in early to mid-summer. After pollination, seeds form and disperse, ready to start a new generation. During the fall, the plant's foliage may turn bronze or gold before it dies back with the onset of colder weather. Throughout the winter, the plant remains dormant, conserving energy in its roots until the warmth of spring prompts the next growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Astilbe 'Look at Me' x arendsii, commonly known as False Goat's Beard or False Spirea, is most commonly propagated through division. This technique is best performed in the late fall or early spring when the plant is not actively flowering. To propagate by division, dig up the clump of the plant, being cautious not to damage the root system. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure each new section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. Replant the new divisions promptly, maintaining the same soil depth as the original plant, and water them thoroughly. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage root growth and establishment.
