False Goat's Beard Astilbe 'Professor van der Wielen' (thunbergii hybrid)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Professor van der Wielen' is a visually striking perennial that shows off with its plume-like flowers. These soft, fluffy flower panicles are typically a creamy white, creating a delicate and graceful look as they sway above the foliage. The flowers are densely clustered, giving a full, frothy appearance. Beneath the florals, the plant boasts a lush mound of deep green, fern-like foliage. The leaves are divided into multiple smaller leaflets that are textured and sometimes glossy, adding to the visual interest of the plant. The contrast between the airy flowers and the finely cut leaves makes it an attractive addition to any garden. As the plant matures throughout the season, these blooms may sometimes take on a slightly faded appearance, providing a sense of gentle and elegant aging. Overall, Astilbe 'Professor van der Wielen' presents as a refined plant with a soothing color palette, making it a favorite for softening garden designs and adding romantic touches to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Goat's Beard, False Spirea, Meadow Sweet
Common names
Astilbe thunbergii var. thunbergii, Astilbe thunbergii 'Professor van der Wielen'.
ToxicityTo humans
False spirea, commonly referred to as Astilbe 'Professor van der Wielen', is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects reported for the ingestion of this plant. While it is always prudent to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants, this particular variety of astilbe, like other astilbes, does not typically cause poisoning symptoms in humans.
To pets
False spirea, commonly referred to as Astilbe 'Professor van der Wielen', is considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning if ingested by animals such as dogs and cats. As with humans, it is generally a good practice not to let pets consume plants, but accidental ingestion of this variety of astilbe should not lead to poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Astilbe 'Professor van der Wielen' adds visual interest to gardens with its feathery plumes of flowers and fern-like foliage.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in shady areas where many other flowering plants struggle, making it an excellent choice for shaded beds and woodland gardens.
- Suitable for Borders: They are commonly used in perennial borders due to their compact size and attractive flower spires.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are suitable for use in fresh flower arrangements, adding delicacy and height to bouquets.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in your garden.
- Low Maintenance: Astilbe 'Professor van der Wielen' is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond occasional watering and trimming back old foliage.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate short periods of drought, though it does best in moist conditions.
- Non-Invasive: It is a non-aggressive grower, so it won't take over your garden or crowd out other plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Astilbe 'Professor van der Wielen' can be used for floral art, such as making dried flower arrangements. Its feathery plumes retain shape and color when dried.
- These plants are suitable for creating a 'fairy garden' with their delicate foliage and plumes providing an ethereal look.
- Their dense foliage can be used in garden design to create texture contrast with other plants that have broad or fine leaves.
- Astilbe can be utilized in shaded rock gardens to add a burst of color and softness between the hard surfaces of the rocks.
- Their plumes can serve as natural indicators of humidity, as Astilbe prefers moist environments and will look lackluster if the air is too dry.
- Astilbe can be planted near ponds or water features to enhance a naturalistic or woodland water garden aesthetic.
- They can also be used in sensory gardens, as their textured plumes are interesting to touch and can withstand mild handling.
- Astilbe can be included in a moon garden, where their light-colored flowers illuminate and glow in the moonlight.
- When planted en masse, Astilbe can become a groundcover providing a blanket of foliage that helps suppress weed growth.
- Since Astilbe is deer resistant, it can be strategically placed in gardens to deter deer and protect more susceptible plants.
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, also known as false goat's beard, often symbolizes a love that is patient and enduring, as the plant takes time to grow and prefers to be left undisturbed, reflecting a relationship that matures over time.
- Devoted Care: Since Astilbe requires attentive care to thrive, particularly in regards to watering and soil conditions, it represents dedication and the importance of nurturing relationships.
- I’ll Still Be Waiting: With its name likely derived from the Greek ‘a’ (without) and ‘stilbe’ (brilliance), signifying a modest beauty, Astilbe can suggest a quiet, steadfast fidelity, symbolizing a promise of waiting for a loved one.
- Hope and Optimism: The bright and feathery plumes of the Astilbe flowers suggest positivity and look forward to the future, making them a symbol for hope and optimism.
WaterAstilbes require consistently moist soil, so it's important to water the 'Professor van der Wielen' regularly, especially during dry spells. In general, aim to provide this False Spirea with about one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. If you're using a watering can or garden hose, apply water slowly at the soil level to ensure deep penetration and to minimize runoff. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, particularly if your soil is sandy or drains quickly. Adjust watering frequency based on weather conditions, and always check soil moisture before watering to avoid over-saturation.
LightThe 'Professor van der Wielen' False Spirea thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It is best situated in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and diminish flowering, so avoid placing it in a location where it will be exposed to the harsh afternoon sun.
TemperatureFalse Spirea 'Professor van der Wielen' prefers cooler climates and typically does well in temperatures ranging between 60°F to 75°F during the growing season. It is hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures down to around -20°F, but should be protected from extreme winter winds. During the summer months, ensure that the plant is not exposed to prolonged temperatures above 80°F, as this can stress the plant and lead to poor performance.
PruningPrune your 'Professor van der Wielen' False Spirea to remove spent flowers and to tidy up the plant after blooming, typically in late summer or early fall. Pruning will help encourage new growth and improve the plant's overall appearance. Additionally, you can cut back the foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth starts to remove any dead or damaged stems and promote a bushier plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea prefers soil that is organically rich, moist, and well-draining, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix consisting of garden soil, compost, and a bit of peat moss or coco coir to retain moisture is ideal for this hybrid Astilbe.
RepottingFalse Spirea doesn't require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot. Repot in spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea thrives in high humidity environments; maintaining a level of about 60-80% is beneficial for optimal growth and foliage health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in moist soil, bright indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil consistently moist.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe 'Professor van der Wielen', commonly known as False Spirea, starts its life cycle as seeds, which germinate in moist, rich soil in partial to full shade. After germination, seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with feathery foliage and a robust root system. As it matures, False Spirea enters its vegetative stage, producing dense clumps of foliage and preparing for the flowering phase. During the flowering stage, typically in early to mid-summer, 'Professor van der Wielen' sends up tall, plume-like flower stalks bearing masses of tiny, cream-colored flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers will fade, and seed heads will form. As fall approaches, the plant's foliage may die back, and it enters a period of dormancy during the winter, with the rhizomatous roots surviving underground to regenerate the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
The Astilbe 'Professor van der Wielen', typically known simply as Astilbe, propagates most effectively through division, which should be performed in the early spring or after the plant has finished flowering in the fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of Astilbe, ensuring to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp spade or knife, slice through the crown of the plant to create sections, each with several good shoots and a portion of the root system attached. These divisions should then be replanted promptly at the same depth they were growing at previously, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (about 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method encourages a healthy rejuvenation of the plant while increasing the number of Astilbe plants in your garden.
