False Spirea Astilbe 'Washington' (japonica hybrid)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Washington' is a perennial plant known for its lavish and colorful plumes of flowers. The plant features a foliage of deeply cut, glossy green leaves that provide an attractive backdrop to the flower spikes. These leaves may take on a bronze tinge when they emerge in spring, but as they mature, they typically become a rich green. The most striking feature of Astilbe 'Washington' is its blooms. Its flowers are presented in fluffy, erect plumes that have a feathery appearance, creating an effect that is both delicate and striking. The plumes are composed of tiny, densely packed blossoms that range in color from a pale to a more intense shade of pink, creating a soft and romantic visual display. These blooms are known for their longevity, appearing in late spring to midsummer, depending on the climate. The flower spikes rise gracefully above the foliage, adding both vertical interest and a touch of whimsy to garden designs. On the whole, this plant is particularly valued for its texture and color in garden settings. While it excels in shaded areas, Astilbe 'Washington' can also adapt to various light conditions, and its showy flowers make it a popular choice for creating focal points in garden borders, beds, and waterside plantings. This perennial is also a favorite for cut flower arrangements due to its striking blooms and the way they add both height and a soft texture to floral designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
False Spirea, False Goat's Beard, Feather Flower.
Common names
Astilbe japonica 'Washington'
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe, including the 'Washington' variety, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or adverse health effects. However, it is always recommended to practice caution and avoid eating ornamental plants.
To pets
Astilbe is also considered non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingesting this plant should not cause significant symptoms of poisoning or serious health issues in pets. However, consumption of non-food items can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or more serious complications if large quantities are ingested, so it is still best to discourage pets from eating plants.
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
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to shaded garden areas with its feathery plumes of white flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in partial to full shade where other plants may struggle to grow.
- Tolerates Moist Soil: Can grow in moist conditions, making it suitable for waterside plantings or rain gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in butterflies and other beneficial insects, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers unique texture and color in the late spring to early summer garden landscape.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer, reducing the need for protective measures in areas with deer populations.
- Erosion Control: Can help prevent soil erosion in sloped or uneven garden areas with its dense growth habit.
- Companion Planting: Pairs well with other shade-loving plants, creating a diverse and attractive garden design.
- Diversity of Use: Ideal for mass plantings, borders, and woodland gardens, providing versatility in landscaping.
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 utilized in dried floral arrangements; once the blooms have faded, they can be hung upside down in a dry, dark place to be preserved for decorative purposes.
- These plants can contribute to noise reduction in gardens due to their dense foliage, creating a quieter and more serene outdoor environment.
- You may use Astilbe to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding shades of pink, tan or brown depending on the mordant used.
- Astilbe flowers provide a lovely natural confetti, which is biodegradable and can be scattered at celebrations instead of synthetic variants.
- Their dense clumping growth habit makes them suitable as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.
- Astilbe can serve as indicators of soil moisture levels; their wilting can alert gardeners to water the garden when it might not be apparent with other plants.
- When grown alongside streams or ponds, Astilbe can help stabilize the bank soil with its root system, preventing erosion.
- They can be used as a teaching tool for children and beginner gardeners, as Astilbe are a relatively hardy plant and can demonstrate basic plant care and lifecycle without being too challenging.
- Astilbe's feathery plumes can work as a protective habitat for small beneficial insects and spiders that help control garden pests.
- When planted in large groups, Astilbe can serve as a soft barrier to lightly delineate spaces in a garden without creating a visual wall.
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: The Astilbe plant blooms with patience and requires attentive care, symbolizing a love that endures and grows over time with dedication.
- Hope and Positivity: With its beautiful feathery plumes, Astilbe is often associated with hope and the positivity that follows even through tough conditions.
- I will be waiting: As a plant that often stays dormant before blooming, Astilbe can represent the promise of waiting for someone through difficult times or separations.
WaterFalse Spirea should be watered deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During hot and dry conditions, it may require watering every two to three days to maintain consistently moist soil. A good method is to provide a thorough soaking so that the water reaches the roots, using approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering for a mature plant, depending on soil type and weather conditions. In the winter months or during periods of rainfall, reduce the amount of water to prevent waterlogging.
LightFalse Spirea thrives in partially shaded areas where it can receive dappled sunlight. While it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, it prefers protection from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its foliage. The best spot for this plant would be an area that gets morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or a location with filtered sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureFalse Spirea grows well in temperatures that range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit as ideal conditions. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to prolonged periods of extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can stress the plant.
PruningFalse Spirea benefits from pruning to remove spent flowers and to encourage a bushier growth habit. The best time to prune is immediately after blooming, typically in late summer or early fall. Remove the dead flower spikes and any dead or damaged foliage, but avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce the number of blooms in the following season. Prune lightly every year or every other year as necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. For best results, mix garden soil with compost and peat moss to enhance fertility and moisture retention.
RepottingFalse Spirea doesn't require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Inspect yearly, but repot only when it becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea thrives in average to high humidity conditions. Aim to maintain a humidity level around 60-80% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in cool shade, high humidity, well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, and protect from midday sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe 'Washington', commonly known as False Spirea, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome planted in late fall or early spring. Upon the onset of warmer temperatures and sufficient moisture, it breaks dormancy and sprouts feathery foliage, preparing for its next stage of growth. As spring progresses into early summer, the plant forms erect, plume-like flower stalks that bloom with dense, fluffy clusters of flowers in shades of pink to white. Following pollination, typically aided by insects, the flowers gradually fade and develop into dry, capsule-like fruits containing seeds. After seed dispersal, or when conditions become less favorable in autumn, the plant's above-ground growth dies back, and it enters a period of dormancy to conserve energy for the next growing season. The rhizome survives through the winter, storing nutrients to repeat the life cycle the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Astilbe 'Washington', also commonly known as False Goat's Beard or False Spirea, is primarily propagated through division. The best time to propagate by division is in the early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the entire clump of the plant, preserving as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp, sterile knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several growth points or buds. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (roughly 30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water them in well to help establish the new divisions. This method is reliable and helps to rejuvenate overgrown clumps, encouraging more vigorous growth and better flowering.
