False Spirea Astilbe 'Moerheim Glory' (× arendsii)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Moerheim Glory' is a striking perennial plant known for its splendid feathery plumes of flowers that bloom in an attractive deep pink color. These flower spikes gracefully rise above the fern-like foliage, creating an eye-catching display in a shade garden. The leaves are deeply divided and have a glossy, dark green appearance, providing a beautiful contrast to the vivid flowering spikes. The plant has a bushy, clumping habit, and the airy flowers are ideal for creating a soft, textured look. Its bloom time usually occurs in the mid- to late summer, bringing vibrant color to the garden when many other plants may be starting to fade. Astilbe 'Moerheim Glory' is commonly sought after for its ability to thrive in shady areas and add a burst of rich color to the understory of a garden or landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Goat's Beard, False Spirea
Common names
Astilbe × arendsii 'Moerheim Glory'
ToxicityTo humans
False Spirea is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It does not contain any known toxic compounds that would cause poisoning if ingested. Therefore, accidental consumption of parts of the Astilbe 'Moerheim Glory' is not expected to result in any adverse symptoms. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingestion of ornamental plants.
To pets
False Spirea is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among plants that are poisonous to cats, dogs, or other household animals. Therefore, if a pet were to ingest parts of Astilbe 'Moerheim Glory', it is unlikely to experience poisoning symptoms. However, it is always recommended to prevent pets from eating plants, as individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions, and non-toxic plants might still cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Astilbe 'Moerheim Glory' features tall, feathery plumes of deep pink flowers which add a striking vertical element to garden designs.
- Shade Tolerant: This variety thrives in partial to full shade, making it a perfect choice for shadowy areas where other plants might struggle to grow.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Astilbe 'Moerheim Glory' requires minimal care, with just occasional watering and the removal of spent flowers.
- Drought Resistance: While it prefers moist soil, it can withstand periods of dryness better than many other shade-loving plants.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plant is generally not favored by deer and rabbits, helping to ensure its survival and blooms in wildlife-rich areas.
- Pest and Disease Resistant: Astilbe 'Moerheim Glory' is resistant to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a lengthy flowering season, usually from mid to late summer, providing color when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Great for Cut Flowers: The flower plumes make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, with a good vase life.
- Soil Erosion Control: The dense foliage and clumping growth habit of Astilbe 'Moerheim Glory' help to prevent soil erosion, particularly in shady, damp areas.
- Attracts Pollinators: While not as attractive to pollinators as some other flowering plants, it can still attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Versatile Garden Use: Astilbe can be used in a variety of garden contexts, including borders, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover under larger shrubs or trees.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Astilbe can be used in the creation of natural dyes, with different parts of the plant producing unique hues that can be used in textile coloring.
- In arts and crafts, the dried flower plumes of Astilbe are often incorporated into floral arrangements, wreaths, and potpourris for their texture and long-lasting color.
- The plant's feathery plumes can be used as a subtle backdrop in photography, especially in macro and still life photography, to add depth and interest.
- Astilbe is also used in educational settings, such as schools or botanical gardens, to teach about perennial plants and shade gardening.
- The dense foliage of Astilbe provides a habitat for beneficial garden insects, making it an excellent choice for insectary gardens that seek to promote biodiversity.
- When planted en masse, Astilbe can serve as ground cover, helping to reduce soil erosion in shady areas where grass might struggle to grow.
- In landscape design, Astilbe is often used to create a 'soft edge' to pathways or borders, providing a visual transition between hardscape elements and other plants.
- For those interested in garden photography or painting, Astilbe can be a captivating subject due to its intricate flower structures and variety of colors.
- Astilbe can be included in sensory gardens, as the plant adds not only visual appeal but also a unique texture for tactile experiences.
- Culinary artists sometimes use the delicate flowers of Astilbe to garnish desserts or salads, though the plant is not known for its taste or nutritional value.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAstilbe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAstilbe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence and Strength: Astilbe, also known as the False Goat's Beard or False Spirea, is often associated with endurance and perseverance due to its ability to thrive in shady gardens, symbolizing the human quality of persisting through challenging conditions.
- Patience: The plant is known for requiring patience as it can take time to establish and flourish, analogous to the patience required in life and relationships.
- Dedication: The lush, feathery plumes of the Astilbe represent dedication and commitment. It is a reflection of the care required to maintain a healthy and beautiful garden, much like the dedication one shows in various aspects of life.
- I'll Still Be Waiting: Due to its name, Astilbe can be interpreted as a pun implying “I'll still be waiting,” and is sometimes used to symbolize anticipation or waiting for someone you love.
- Hope and Love: With its verdant foliage and graceful blooms, the plant often symbolizes hope and love, suggesting that beauty can be found even in the shaded corners of life.
WaterFalse Spirea should be kept consistently moist, so it’s essential to water it regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or manual watering, to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During hot or windy weather, you may need to increase watering frequency. It’s best to water deeply and less frequently rather than shallow and often, to encourage deep root growth. For container-grown plants, check the soil moisture daily and water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
LightFalse Spirea thrives in partial shade to full shade. It prefers a spot that offers protection from the harsh midday sun, as this can scorch the leaves and stress the plant. The ideal location would provide morning light with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day, perfect for woodland garden settings or north-facing gardens.
TemperatureFalse Spirea does well in a wide range of temperatures but grows best when the climate is between 60°F and 75°F. It can typically survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F and summer temperatures up to 80°F. To ensure healthy growth, plant it in an area where extreme temperature fluctuations are rare.
PruningPrune False Spirea to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers will promote a second bloom and prevent self-seeding. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back the previous year's growth to ground level. Pruning every year or every other year is generally enough to keep the plant looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea (Astilbe 'Moerheim Glory') requires a rich, moist, well-draining soil mix. A blend of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand works well to ensure proper drainage and moisture retention. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingFalse Spirea typically do not need frequent repotting; they can be repotted every 2-3 years to rejuvenate the soil and split crowded clumps. Early spring, before the onset of growth, is the best time for repotting or dividing.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea thrives in high humidity environments. To ensure healthy growth, try to maintain a humidity level of 60-80%, which mimics their natural, moist woodland habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in moist soil, high humidity, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe 'Moerheim Glory', also known as False Spirea, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome which, when planted in early spring or fall, will germinate and develop a rosette of fern-like foliage. As temperatures warm, these leaves grow larger and the plant enters its vegetative stage, storing energy for flowering. By mid to late summer, it reaches the reproductive stage, producing tall, plume-like flower stalks that can be a variety of colors including the rich, reddish-pink that characterizes 'Moerheim Glory'. After pollination, typically by insects attracted to the flowers, the plant will produce seeds, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow. As the cooler weather of autumn arrives, the foliage and flower stalks begin to wither and the plant enters senescence, dying back to the ground while the rhizomes remain dormant underground throughout the winter. In the following spring, the cycle restarts as new growth emerges from the surviving rhizomes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Astilbe 'Moerheim Glory', commonly known as false spirea, is by division. This is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. Gardeners divide the clumps every 3 to 4 years to maintain plant vigor. The process involves carefully lifting the entire plant out of the ground with a spade and then using a sharp knife or spade to cut through the root ball, creating several smaller clumps. Each section should have at least two or three growth buds. The new divisions are then replanted at the same soil depth they were previously growing, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation. Divisions should be watered thoroughly after planting to help establish them.
