Astilbe 'Straussenfeder' Astilbe 'Straussenfeder' (thunbergii hybrid)
ABOUT
'Straussenfeder' is a perennial to 90cm in height, with bronze-tinted, divided foliage and open, arching sprays of coral-pink flowers
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Ostrich Plume, False Goat's Beard, False Spirea
Common names
Astilbe thunbergii 'Straussenfeder'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a delicate, feathery texture to gardens with its plume-like flower spikes.
- Variety of Colors: The Ostrich Plume comes in a range of colors from pinks to purples, enhancing the visual interest of any garden space.
- Shade Tolerance: Unlike many flowering plants, it can thrive in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden areas.
- Mixed Borders: Works well in mixed borders with other shade-loving plants, providing contrast in form and texture.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, adding a dynamic element to the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers mid-summer blooms when many other shade plants have finished flowering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Moisture Indicator: The plant’s need for consistent moisture can serve as an indicator for watering needs in the garden.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers make excellent fresh cut arrangements with a long vase life.
- Resistant to Deer: Ostrich Plume is generally resistant to deer, making it a great option for gardens in areas with heavy deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subjects: Due to their distinctive feathery plumes, Astilbe plants can be used as beautiful subjects for macro and nature photography.
- Educational Tools: Astilbes can be used in horticulture classes or workshops to teach about plant care, particularly in shade gardens.
- Insect Attractors: Astilbe plants can be included in gardens designed to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies for pollination purposes.
- Craft Supplies: Dried Astilbe flowers can be used in various crafts, such as wreath making or as part of dried flower arrangements.
- Fabric Dyeing: Historically, some plants in the Astilbe genus have been used to provide a natural source of dye, which can be experimented with for dyeing fabric.
- Erosion Control: Astilbe plants can be used on slopes and banks in shady areas to help prevent soil erosion thanks to their dense root systems.
- Rain Garden Plants: The Astilbe 'Straussenfeder' can be utilized in rain gardens where they help manage water runoff and increase the aesthetic value.
- Feng Shui: In gardening designs influenced by Feng Shui, Astilbes can contribute to a sense of harmony and balance through their soft textures and colors.
- Winter Garden Interest: With their sturdy seed heads, Astilbes can add texture and interest to the garden even in winter after they have gone dormant.
- Performance Art: Astilbe flowers could be used as part of a costume or stage design in performances and plays to add natural elements and depth to the visual scenery.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Astilbe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Astilbe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence and Determination: Astilbes are known for their ability to thrive in shade where other plants might not do well, symbolizing determination and the ability to persist through challenging conditions.
- Patience and Waiting: As plants that bloom in the late spring or early summer, astilbes represent the virtue of patience and the beauty of waiting for the right moment.
- Delicate Beauty: With their feathery plumes and graceful appearance, astilbes are often associated with a delicate and fine beauty that symbolizes tenderness and gentleness.
- Hope and New Opportunities: The bright colors and lush foliage of the astilbe plant can symbolize hope, optimism, and the arrival of new opportunities or beginnings.
- Illumination and Light in Darkness: Their ability to brighten up shady areas of the garden makes astilbes a symbol for bringing light into dark or challenging times.
WaterOstrich Plume Astilbe should be watered deeply about once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture. Provide the plant with about one inch of water each time to ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to maintain moisture levels, ensuring you do not let the soil dry out completely as Astilbe plants prefer a moist environment. In cooler weather or if rainfall is sufficient, reduce the amount of supplemental water to prevent overwatering.
LightOstrich Plume Astilbe thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. The best spot for this plant would be an area that receives filtered sunlight or a few hours of morning sun followed by shade during the intense afternoon heat. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and reduce the vigor of the plant, so select a location that protects it during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureOstrich Plume Astilbe prefers moderate temperatures and can survive in temperatures ranging from about 20°F to 85°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 40°F and 75°F. Astilbes are quite hardy and can survive brief periods outside these ranges, but prolonged exposure to extremes may cause stress or damage to the plant.
PruningOstrich Plume Astilbe should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and sometimes to encourage a second flush of flowers. Additionally, pruning back dead foliage in late fall or early spring before new growth starts can help promote a healthy plant. Pruning is typically performed annually, and the best time for it is after the blooming period, usually late summer or early fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilOstrich Plume Astilbe thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a high organic matter content. Aim for a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, peat moss, and perlite can create an ideal growing medium for this plant.
RepottingOstrich Plume Astilbe doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingOstrich Plume Astilbe prefers high humidity levels, ideally around 60%-80%. Consistently moist air without waterlogged conditions is beneficial for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Ostrich Plume Astilbe in bright, indirect light, high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, mulch, water often.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Astilbe 'Straussenfeder', commonly known as Ostrich Plume, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in moist, fertile soil, typically in spring. Seedlings emerge and develop into young plants, with characteristic fern-like foliage. As the plant matures, it forms a clumping root system from which new foliage grows each year. In early to mid-summer, Ostrich Plume reaches the flowering stage, producing tall, feathery plumes of pinkish blooms that attract pollinators. After flowering, the blooms fade and dry out, and the plant sets seed, completing its reproductive cycle. During the fall, Ostrich Plume's foliage dies back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy over the winter, only to reemerge the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular way to propagate Astilbe, known commonly as False Goat's Beard or False Spirea, is by division. This is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established Astilbe clump and gently separate it into smaller sections using a sharp knife or spade. Ensure that each section has at least two or three growth buds. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45.72 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for the plants to grow and mature. Water the new divisions thoroughly to establish them. This method can quickly expand your Astilbe collection or fill in gaps within the garden without the need for buying new plants.
