Crispa Astilbe Astilbe × crispa 'Perkeo'
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Perkeo' is a visually appealing perennial with a lush, mound-forming habit. Its leaves are deeply dissected and have a somewhat glossy appearance, often displaying a rich green color that can add a vivid backdrop to the feathery plumes. The foliage may show a hint of bronze when it first unfurls, later transitioning to the distinctive green that characterizes the plant's dense, bushy foliage. Dominating the plant's appearance are the striking plume-like flower clusters, which rise elegantly above the foliage during the blooming season. These blooms are densely packed with tiny, star-shaped flowers, contributing to the plant's fluffy, textured look. The flowers are often in a lovely shade ranging from delicate pinks to deep purples, radiating with a soft, romantic charm. Adding to its ornamental value, the flowering plumes are held on sturdy stems which stand upright and do not easily succumb to the weight of the flowers, maintaining the plant's graceful structure. The visual impact of Astilbe 'Perkeo' is complemented by its capability to bring a soft, feathery dimension to garden spaces, creating a point of interest without relying on large size. Its fine-textured foliage beneath the showy blooms completes a picture-perfect look and feel for a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Goat's Beard, False Spirea
Common names
Astilbe × crispa 'Perkeo'.
ToxicityTo humans
False goat's beard, which includes Astilbe × crispa 'Perkeo', is generally not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant is not typically associated with serious poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, individual reactions can vary, and consuming plant material may cause mild stomach upset or irritation in sensitive individuals.
To pets
False goat's beard, which includes Astilbe × crispa 'Perkeo', is generally regarded as non-toxic to pets. There should be no serious symptoms of poisoning in pets if they ingest parts of the plant. However, similar to humans, ingestion can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in certain pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Astilbe 'Perkeo' has uniquely textured, crinkled leaves that add visual interest to shade gardens.
- Colorful Blooms: Produces pink, fluffy flower plumes in the summer, enhancing the garden's aesthetic appeal.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in partially shaded areas where other plants might struggle, making it ideal for woodland settings.
- Compact Growth: Its smaller size is perfect for borders, container gardening, or small garden spaces.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer, which helps prevent damage to the plant and maintain its beauty.
- Easy Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, although it prefers moist conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: Adds texture and color to the garden throughout the growing season, from spring through fall.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system helps prevent soil erosion in sloped areas and garden beds.
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 miniature gardens due to its compact size, adding texture and a splash of color.
- They play a role in fairy gardens, creating a magical aesthetic with their feathery plumes.
- Dried astilbe flowers can be included in potpourri mixes to enhance visual appeal.
- The plant has potential use in artistic installations, where its form and color can contribute to visual art pieces.
- Astilbe can be planted near ponds or water features to create a naturalized, marshy landscape appearance.
- They can be used in educational gardens to teach about pollination, attracting butterflies and bees.
- These plants can serve as natural indicators of soil moisture, as they will not thrive in dry conditions.
- In flower photography, astilbe provides an attractive background or a focal point due to their feathery blooms.
- They can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding texture and a soft, feathery look to bouquets.
- Astilbe leaves can be used in pressed flower crafts, maintaining their color and shape well when dried.
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 blossoms require patience to bloom, advocating for love that is willing to wait and grow over time.
- Hope - The bright and feathery plumes of the Astilbe flower can symbolize hope, as they bring color to shady garden areas where few plants can bloom.
- Devotion - With its lush, fern-like foliage and fluffy flowers, the Astilbe plant represents dedication and a life filled with deep devotion.
- Strength and Resilience - While Astilbe plants prefer moist conditions, they are quite resilient once established, symbolizing inner strength and the ability to withstand life's challenges.
WaterFalse Spirea requires consistently moist soil, so it’s important to water it regularly. During dry spells, water deeply once or twice a week, providing around 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant depending on soil conditions and climate. In cooler weather, reduce the frequency to prevent waterlogging. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not soggy, as consistent moisture is key to the health of the plant. Note that overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so ensure proper soil drainage.
LightFalse Spirea thrives best in partial shade to filtered sunlight. The ideal spot is where the plant is sheltered from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. Morning light with dappled afternoon shade is perfect to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
TemperatureFalse Spirea prefers cooler temperatures and can generally survive in a range between 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's hardy to a minimum temperature of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many temperate climates.
PruningFalse Spirea should be pruned to remove spent flowers and maintain its shape. Pruning can encourage a second bloom and prevent self-seeding. The best time to prune is immediately after the first flowering has finished. Typically, this plant is pruned once a year, but occasional trimming may be needed if the plant becomes untidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for False Spirea (Astilbe × crispa 'Perkeo') is a well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. False Spirea thrives in moist conditions, so the soil should retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged.
RepottingFalse Spirea (Astilbe × crispa 'Perkeo') should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. The best time to repot is in the early spring before new growth starts. When repotting, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one to give the roots more room to grow.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea (Astilbe × crispa 'Perkeo') prefers a relatively high humidity level between 60% to 80%. It thrives in moist environments, so it can benefit from humidity trays or regular misting if the indoor air is dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity for False Spirea.
Outdoor
Plant False Spirea in partial shade; keep soil moist and rich.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe × crispa 'Perkeo', commonly known as False Spirea or False Goat's Beard, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, fertile soil under partial to full shade conditions. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with compound leaves and a compact growth habit. As the plant matures, it forms a clump with dense, textured foliage that is highly valued for its ornamental appeal. During its blooming period in early to mid-summer, it produces plume-like flower stalks in shades of pink, adding visual interest to garden spaces. After flowering, the plant sets seed which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, potentially giving rise to new plants if conditions are favorable. In winter, Astilbe 'Perkeo' dies back to the ground and enters a period of dormancy, relying on its underground rhizomes to survive the cold months before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Astilbe × crispa 'Perkeo', commonly known as False Goat's Beard or False Spirea, is by division. This is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. Gardeners should carefully dig up the mature plant and gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each containing a portion of the root system and several growth buds. These divisions can then be replanted at the same soil depth they were previously growing at, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 61 cm). Adequate watering after replanting is essential to help the divisions establish in their new locations. This straightforward method of propagation not only creates new plants but also rejuvenates the parent plant by reducing overcrowding.
