False Goat's Beard Astilbe 'Montgomery' (japonica hybrid)

Water

False Spirea requires consistently moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. During the growing season, water the plant once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions, providing about one inch of water each time. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, so adjust the frequency during rainfall or high humidity. During hot, dry spells, you may need to increase watering frequency. If you're using a watering can or hose, gently water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Light

False Spirea thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. The best spot for this plant would be in a location where it receives morning sunlight but is protected from the intense afternoon sun. Dappled sunlight beneath open-branched trees or on the north side of buildings is ideal for maintaining the vibrant color of its foliage without causing stress from excessive heat.

Temperature

False Spirea does well in a range of temperatures but prefers cooler conditions. It can tolerate temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit but may suffer in prolonged heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for Astilbe 'Montgomery' is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Pruning

Pruning False Spirea is advantageous to remove spent flower stalks and to tidy up the plant. Prune back the faded flowers and dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This will help stimulate new growth and improve air circulation around the plant. Regular deadheading during the blooming season can also promote a second flush of flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

False Spirea thrives best in rich, moist soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The ideal soil mix for this plant should be well-draining and high in organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure good moisture retention without waterlogging.

Repotting

False Spirea, a perennial, does not require frequent repotting and is typically replanted or divided every few years to manage its size or rejuvenate its growth. Examine the plant every 3 to 4 years and repot if necessary in spring before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

False Spirea prefers a moderately humid environment for optimal growth. It's best to maintain the humidity level around 50-60%, especially if growing indoors, to replicate the moisture conditions of its natural habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place False Spirea in a well-lit spot and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant False Spirea in partial shade and moist, rich soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Astilbe 'Montgomery', commonly known as False Spirea, begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown or, more commonly, when divisions of mature plants are transplanted. Growth starts in early spring as the fern-like foliage emerges from rhizomes, and the plant soon develops a mound of lacy leaves. By mid to late spring, the plant prepares to flower, sending up plume-like flower stalks that range in color from a deep, rich red to a burgundy, which typically bloom in early to mid-summer. After blooming, the flowers fade and dry, turning into a brownish color, and the plant goes into a seed-setting stage, although reproduction is usually done by division rather than by seed. As fall approaches, the foliage may die back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy over the winter months. The following spring, the plant emerges from dormancy to repeat the cycle, gradually growing larger and requiring division every few years to maintain its vigor.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Astilbe 'Montgomery', commonly known as False Spirea, is a popular perennial that is most commonly propagated by division. The best time to propagate this plant is in the spring or fall when the weather is cool and the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of False Spirea and use a sharp spade or knife to divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. After division, the sections can be immediately replanted in a well-drained soil with adequate moisture, shaded from intense midday sun. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method is efficient and maintains the characteristics of the parent plant, making it a favored means of propagation among gardeners.