False Spirea Astilbe 'Spinell' (× arendsii)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Spinell' is a perennial flowering plant known for its striking feathery plumes that provide a burst of color in garden spaces. The fluffy flower spikes can come in a range of hues, but 'Spinell' specifically boasts rich, vibrant pink blossoms that create a soft, yet eye-catching display. These attractive plumes rise elegantly above the plant's mound of foliage, presenting a contrast of both color and texture. The foliage of Astilbe 'Spinell' is equally impressive, with fern-like leaves that are deeply cut and often exhibit a glossy surface. The leaves are typically a lush green color, forming a dense, bushy clump. This backdrop of green makes the pink of the blooms stand out even more forcefully. The overall appearance of Astilbe 'Spinell' is one of delicate beauty, with the contrast between the light, airy plumes and the more substantial, textural foliage creating a pleasing visual balance. This plant is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of whimsy and romance to their landscape designs, especially in shaded areas where the light plays beautifully with the flower and leaf textures.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Spirea, False Goat's Beard
Common names
Astilbe × arendsii 'Spinell'.
ToxicityTo humans
False spirea, or Astilbe 'Spinell', is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning because it is not typically known for being hazardous if ingested. Nonetheless, it is always advisable to avoid consuming parts of ornamental plants as their safety for consumption is not guaranteed.
To pets
False spirea, also referred to as Astilbe 'Spinell', is not known to be toxic to pets either. It does not commonly cause symptoms of poisoning in animals. As with humans, it is still recommended to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not intended for consumption to avoid any possible gastrointestinal discomfort or other unexpected reactions.
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- Low Maintenance: Astilbe 'Spinell' requires minimal care once established, which makes it ideal for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Shade Tolerant: This plant thrives in shaded areas, where many other plants struggle to grow, making it an excellent choice for darker parts of the garden.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of Astilbe 'Spinell' attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, enhancing biodiversity in your garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its feathery plumes of deep red flowers, Astilbe 'Spinell' adds a beautiful burst of color to any garden, particularly in the summer months.
- Good for Borders: Its clumping growth habit makes it suitable for borders and edges, helping to define areas within a garden or alongside pathways.
- Versatile: Astilbe 'Spinell' can be used in a variety of garden designs, from informal cottage gardens to more structured formal gardens.
- Soil Erosion Control: The dense foliage and root system of Astilbe 'Spinell' can help prevent soil erosion in sloped gardens or areas prone to heavy rains.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Astilbe 'Spinell' can tolerate periods of drought, although it prefers consistent moisture.
- Long Blooming: This plant has a relatively long blooming period, which ensures your garden has colorful interest for a good portion of the growing season.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of Astilbe 'Spinell' make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, bringing the beauty of your garden indoors.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is considered deer resistant, which is an advantage in areas where deer predation is a problem for gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Astilbe 'Spinell' can be used to create natural food dyes for fabric or paper, as the flowers may produce subtle shades when boiled.
- The flowers are ideal for crafting homemade potpourri due to their interesting texture and the ability to retain color when dried.
- The plant's dense foliage can provide a living mulch, helping to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture in garden beds.
- Dried astilbe stems can be used in the construction of miniature fairy gardens, giving a whimsical woodland feel to the scene.
- Fresh astilbe blooms can serve as a natural fish tank embellishment, as long as they are thoroughly rinsed and free from harmful chemicals.
- Their feathery plumes can act as an element in the art of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, offering softness and height to compositions.
- Astilbe works well as a natural dye for Easter eggs, contributing to a palette of gentle pastel tones when used in the traditional egg dyeing process.
- They can be included in a compost pile as green matter, providing necessary nitrogen to help break down more carbon-rich materials.
- The plant's strong stems can be used to create framework or support for other, more delicate plants in floral arrangements.
- Pressed astilbe flowers can be used as decorative elements in homemade soaps or candles, embedded within to add a subtle floral touch.
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 is often associated with patient and enduring love, suggesting a bond that withstands time and challenge.
- Devotion: With its lush, feather-like flowers, Astilbe symbolizes dedication and a deep sense of commitment.
- Hope and Positivity: The bright and colorful flowers can represent optimism and a positive outlook toward the future.
- Elegance and Grace: The delicate structure and graceful appearance embody refinement and beauty.
WaterFalse Spirea should be kept moist, and it's essential to water it regularly, especially during dry spells. In the absence of rainfall, water the plant deeply once or twice a week, providing about one inch of water each time. This generally translates to around half a gallon for small plants or up to 2 gallons for larger, established specimens. The goal is to maintain evenly moist soil without waterlogging. During extreme heat or drought conditions, you may need to increase watering frequency.
LightFalse Spirea thrives in partial shade, where it receives filtered sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Planting it in a spot with dappled sunlight beneath open-branched trees is ideal. Full sun can be tolerated in cooler climates, but in hotter regions, intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, so shade during the harshest light is recommended.
TemperatureFalse Spirea prefers a temperate climate and grows best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to prolonged periods of deep frost. In the summer, excessive heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, so providing shade during the hottest part of the day is beneficial.
PruningFalse Spirea should be pruned to remove spent flowers and maintain a desirable shape. This is best done immediately after flowering finishes, usually in late summer. Pruning will not only improve the plant's appearance but also encourage more prolific blooming the following year. Annually removing a few of the oldest stems can rejuvenate the plant and stimulate healthy, vigorous growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea thrives in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, moist but well-draining, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal to provide the necessary conditions for this plant.
RepottingFalse Spirea is typically not repotted often as it is a perennial that grows well in situ. However, dividing the plants every 3-4 years in the spring helps to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea prefers high humidity conditions; it flourishes when the ambient humidity is kept consistently above 60%, which helps to mimic the plant's natural, moist habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep moist in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Astilbe 'Spinell', commonly known as False Goat's Beard, begins with seed germination, typically occurring in a moist, shaded environment. Following germination, the seedlings develop into young plants with characteristic feathery foliage. These plants mature over time and form dense clumps through vegetative reproduction by rhizomes. Astilbe 'Spinell' reaches its flowering stage in early to mid-summer, displaying vibrant plume-like flowers that attract pollinators. After blooming, the flowers eventually fade, and if not deadheaded, seeds will be produced, allowing the plant to complete its reproductive cycle. During winter, Astilbe 'Spinell' becomes dormant, with the above-ground foliage dying back, while the rhizomes survive underground to rejuvenate and start the cycle anew in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Astilbe 'Spinell', commonly known as False Spirea, is by division. This process is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully dig up the clump of the plant, making sure to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. The clump should then be gently separated into smaller sections, each with at least one growing point or eye. These divisions can then be replanted immediately into well-prepared soil, spacing them roughly 18 to 24 inches apart (which translates to about 45 to 60 centimeters), to ensure sufficient space for growth. It's important to water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them.
