False Goat's Beard Astilbe 'Sprite' (simplicifolia hybrid)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Sprite' features a distinctive and attractive appearance, making it a popular choice for many garden enthusiasts. This perennial plant boasts a bushy and mounded form with fern-like, deeply-cut foliage that is usually a rich green color. It's known for its fluffy, plume-like flower spikes that arise above the foliage in a delightful display. These flowers are typically a soft, pale pink color, which lends a gentle and airy feel to the flowering display. During the blooming season, the blossoms form a feathery and elongated shape, which adds a textural contrast to the plant's more serrated leaves. The foliage itself can have a unique glossy sheen, catching the light and adding to the overall visual interest of the plant. Due to its gentle color and delicate looking flowers, Astilbe 'Sprite' often brings a sense of softness to garden spaces, and when in bloom, it can offer a visually stunning feature that attracts both sight and touch. Despite the absence of a description on the size of Astilbe 'Sprite,' it can be inferred that the plant is well-proportioned to its characteristic flowers and foliage - neither overwhelming in presence nor too diminutive to be noticed. This balance contributes to its popularity as a choice plant for gardeners who wish to introduce a sense of elegance and charm within their flowering beds, borders, or in shaded areas of their gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Goat's Beard, False Spirea
Common names
Astilbe simplicifolia 'Sprite'
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe is generally considered non-toxic to humans and does not typically pose any serious threat if ingested. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from Astilbe 'Sprite' as it is not known to contain substances that are harmful to people. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential individual allergies or unexpected reactions.
To pets
Astilbe is also non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. While ingestion of the plant is unlikely to cause poisoning, it can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset if large amounts are consumed. Symptoms could potentially include vomiting or diarrhea, but significant toxicity from eating Astilbe 'Sprite' is not expected.
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 Flowers: Astilbe 'Sprite' features delicate, feathery plumes of flowers that add a soft, attractive texture to garden spaces.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety is well-suited for shaded areas where other plants might not thrive, allowing for beautification of less sunny spots.
- Low Maintenance: Astilbe 'Sprite' typically requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Long Blooming: The plant has a long blooming period that lasts several weeks, providing lasting color in the landscape.
- Humidity Tolerance: It is tolerant of humid conditions, which can be beneficial in certain climates where other plants might struggle.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Astilbe 'Sprite' is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, which helps to prevent damage from browsing animals.
- Good Cut Flower: The blooms can be used as cut flowers, adding a fresh, floral touch indoors.
- Attracts Pollinators: While in bloom, it can attract butterflies and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Soil Erosion Control: The plant's root system helps to stabilize soil, reducing erosion in the garden or landscape.
- Seasonal Interest: Astilbe 'Sprite' provides interest throughout the growing season with its foliage and blooms.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Create plant dye: The leaves of Astilbe 'Sprite' can be boiled to produce a natural dye for fabrics or paper.
- Fairy gardens: Due to its whimsical appearance when in bloom, it can be an enchanting addition to a fairy garden setting.
- Crafting pressed flowers: The blossoms of Astilbe 'Sprite' can be pressed and used in crafting, such as making bookmarks or greeting cards.
- Photography subject: The Astilbe 'Sprite'’s delicate flowers make it an interesting photography subject for botanical photographers.
- Illustration and painting inspiration: Artists may use the varied textures and colors of Astilbe 'Sprite' as inspiration for illustrations and paintings.
- Education tool: This plant can be used to teach children about pollination and the life cycle of plants.
- Living mulch: Planting Astilbe 'Sprite' densely can provide ground cover, reducing the growth of weeds and helping to retain soil moisture.
- Culinary garnish: Although not commonly used for eating, the flowers can occasionally be used as a non-toxic garnish to decorate cakes and desserts.
- Erosion control: Astilbe 'Sprite' can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil with their root systems.
- Seasonal wreaths: Dried Astilbe 'Sprite' flowers can be incorporated into seasonal wreaths and floral arrangements for decoration.
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 – Astilbe takes time to bloom and is not a fast grower, symbolizing patience and the beauty of allowing things to unfold in their own time.
- Devotion – With its delicate yet enduring flowers, Astilbe can symbolize steadfastness and a devotion that withstands difficulties.
- I’ll Still Be Waiting – The very name 'Astilbe' subtly hints at this phrase, making it a symbol for waiting for a loved one, with grace and dignity.
- Hope and Positivity – Despite growing in shady areas, Astilbe’s feathery plumes light up the garden space, symbolizing hope and positivity in dark times.
WaterFalse Spirea prefers consistent moisture, so it should be watered deeply once or twice a week depending on weather conditions, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. During the peak of summer or in particularly dry weather, you may need to water more frequently to maintain moisture levels. It is important to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. In terms of quantity, each watering session should provide approximately one gallon of water to help reach the root zone effectively.
LightFalse Spirea thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. It should be planted in a spot where it can be shielded from the harsh afternoon sun, as too much direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves. Dappled sunlight filtering through overhanging trees is ideal for this plant, providing it with the light it needs without overexposure.
TemperatureFalse Spirea can survive in a range of temperatures but prefers cooler climates. The plant is hardy and can typically withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 80°F. However, the ideal temperature range for False Spirea is between 60°F and 70°F, where it can grow and flourish without stress from extreme heat or cold.
PruningFalse Spirea should be pruned to remove spent flowers and to shape the plant, typically after blooming in late summer or fall. Pruning encourages new growth and helps maintain the plant's size and appearance. Cutting back the foliage by one-third every few years can rejuvenate older plants. It is not necessary to prune frequently; once a year suffices for general maintenance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of loam, peat, and perlite works well. Maintain a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
RepottingFalse Spirea should be repotted every 3 to 4 years to replenish soil nutrients and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea thrives at high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 80%, to mimic its natural, moist environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place False Spirea in indirect light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, ensure soil remains moist.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Astilbe 'Sprite' begins with the germination of seeds or the division of crowns in early spring. The young plant then develops a clump of basal leaves, which grow in a rosette fashion, and the root system starts to establish itself in the soil. As the weather warms, it produces erect, plume-like flower stalks that bear tiny, feathery flowers in mid to late summer, usually in shades of pink. After blooming, the flowers may be deadheaded to encourage more blooms or left to produce seed capsules if propagation by seed is desired. In the fall, the foliage often turns to attractive bronze hues before the plant enters dormancy for the winter. The dormant period sees the plant survive underground with its crown and root system, ready to re-emerge the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Spring
Astilbe 'Sprite', a delicately flowering perennial known for its feathery plumes and woodland garden aesthetic, is most commonly propagated through division. The best time for dividing Astilbe plants is in early spring or late fall when the plant is not in active growth. During this time, you would carefully dig up the entire clump of the plant, ensuring you keep a good amount of the root system intact with each division. Using a sharp, clean knife or garden spade, you can slice through the root ball to create smaller clumps, each with several growth buds or shoots. Then, these divisions should be replanted promptly at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method is advantageous as it helps rejuvenate older plants while simultaneously increasing your garden display.
