False Spirea Astilbe × rosea 'Peach Blossom'
ABOUT
Astilbe × rosea 'Peach Blossom' is a charming perennial known for its striking feathery plumes of flowers. The blooms exhibit a delightful shade of soft peach, with hints of pink, adding a gentle splash of color to garden settings. These feathery flower spikes rise gracefully above the plant's deep green, fern-like foliage that is finely divided, having a light and airy texture. The contrasting rich green leaves enhance the visual appeal of the peach-colored blossoms. The overall form of Astilbe 'Peach Blossom' is upright and clumping, giving it a tidy appearance that works well in both formal and informal garden designs. Its flower clusters have a fluffy, elongated appearance, and they are visually striking when the plant is in full bloom. The flowers are perfect for adding a vertical element of interest to shaded garden areas or for creating a backdrop for other shade-loving plants with lower growing habits. The foliage fills out the plant at the base and remains attractive throughout the growing season, even when the plant is not in flower. Astilbe 'Peach Blossom's blooms are also popular as cut flowers due to their unique texture and soft coloration.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Spirea, False Goat's Beard, Meadow Sweet
Common names
Astilbe × rosea 'Peach Blossom'.
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It does not contain any known toxic compounds that would pose a risk if ingested. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with the plant, as it is not poisonous to humans.
To pets
Astilbe is also considered non-toxic to pets, including both cats and dogs. It is not known to contain harmful substances that would cause poisoning if pets consume any part of the plant. As such, there are no expected symptoms of poisoning or adverse health consequences for pets that ingest Astilbe.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Peach
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces delicate, feathery plumes in shades of peach and pink, adding soft color to garden spaces.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shady borders.
- Moisture Loving: Prefers moist soil conditions, suitable for planting near water features or in damp garden areas.
- Long Blooming: Boasts a long flowering period from late spring to midsummer, providing sustained visual interest.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being low maintenance and easy to care for, suitable for novice gardeners.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, displays a degree of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Attracts Wildlife: Draws in pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Generally not preferred by deer or rabbits, minimizing the risk of damage from these animals.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers striking foliage in spring and summer, with some varieties providing fall color changes.
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, with its delicate flowers, serves as an excellent prop for macro photography, adding a touch of softness and color to close-up nature shots.
- Textile Dye: The flowers of the Astilbe can be used to create a natural dye for textiles, giving fabrics a soft pink hue.
- Educational Resource: Astilbes can be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical workshops to teach plant propagation and perennial garden design.
- Landscape Painting Subject: Their vibrant blooms and feathery foliage make Astilbes a popular subject for artists specializing in landscape and botanical paintings.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to their whimsical appearance and range of sizes, Astilbes are commonly used to create enchanting scenes in fairy and miniature gardens.
- Floral Crafts: The dried flowers of Astilbe can be incorporated into homemade potpourris or used in crafting wreaths and floral arrangements for home décor.
- Theme Gardens: Astilbes are fitting choices for thematic gardens such as romantic or Victorian gardens due to their airy plumes and soft colors.
- Photographic Backdrop: In garden photography, Astilbes can be used as a soft-focus background to highlight and contrast with the main subject.
- Plant Sculpture Framework: Artists and gardeners may utilize the robust stems of Astilbe as a natural framework when creating plant-based sculptures or topiaries.
- Cultural Events: Astilbe flowers are sometimes included in floral displays or arrangements that accompany cultural festivals or events, especially those celebrating spring and the beauty of nature.
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: Astilbe often symbolize patience and dedication because they take time to establish themselves and thrive, much like a relationship or pursuit that requires ongoing commitment.
- I will be waiting for you: With their long-lasting blooms and enduring nature, Astilbe can represent a message of waiting for someone, embodying anticipation and hope.
- Protection and Safety: The dense, feathery plumes of Astilbe can signify protection and a safe haven, providing a sense of security and shelter.
WaterFalse Spirea prefers consistently moist soil, so water it thoroughly once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry spells. It's crucial to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. An average of 1 to 1.5 gallons per week should suffice, depending on the weather and soil conditions. It's best to water deeply and directly at the base of the plant to ensure the roots are receiving enough moisture.
LightFalse Spirea thrives in partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates provided it has ample moisture. The ideal location is one where it receives morning sunlight and is sheltered from the harsh afternoon sun. Dappled shade beneath a tree canopy is also a great spot for this plant.
TemperatureFalse Spirea does well in a wide range of temperatures and is hardy to USDA Zones 4 through 8. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about -30°F and a maximum temperature of around 85°F. The plant’s ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 75°F.
PruningPrune False Spirea after flowering by cutting back spent blooms, which encourages a tidy appearance and potential reblooming. It is not necessary to prune heavily; simply trim to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged stems. Pruning should be done annually, and the best time is generally late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of equal parts garden soil, peat moss or compost, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal to ensure proper moisture retention and drainage.
RepottingFalse Spirea does not need frequent repotting and can be done every few years or when it outgrows its current container. Divide the clumps in early spring or fall.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea prefers a high humidity environment, ideally 60% or higher, which helps mimic its natural, moist habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure ample light, high humidity, and moist soil for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, maintain moist soil and mulch.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe 'Peach Blossom' begins its life as a dormant rhizome, which sprouts in early spring when temperatures rise and days lengthen. It enters a stage of vegetative growth, producing fern-like foliage and amassing energy for flowering. By mid to late spring or early summer, the plant sends up flowering stalks, culminating in plume-like panicles of delicate peach-pink flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After the flowering period, which can last several weeks, the blooms fade, and seeds may develop if pollination has occurred. The plant then enters a period of senescence in late summer or fall, where the above-ground foliage dies back, and the plant goes dormant, relying on its rhizome to survive the winter. The cycle begins anew with the return of favorable growing conditions in the subsequent spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Astilbe × rosea 'Peach Blossom', commonly known as False Spirea or Astilbe, can best be propagated through division, which is typically done in late autumn or early spring when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of astilbe out of the ground using a shovel or fork, and brush off any excess soil. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure each section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system attached. Replant these divisions about 18 inches (45 centimeters) apart, at the same depth they were growing previously, and water them thoroughly. The divisions should be kept moist until they are established and begin to show new growth. Division helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody at the center and encourages more vigorous blooms.
