False Goat's Beard Astilbe 'Willie Buchanan' (simplicifolia hybrid)

Water

False Spirea should be kept consistently moist, so watering should occur when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which usually means watering about once or twice a week depending on the climate and weather conditions. It's crucial to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the plant. Aim to provide the False Spirea with about one gallon of water each week, ensuring you water deeply to encourage proper root growth. During hot or dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary to maintain the soil's moisture. Always check soil moisture levels before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Light

False Spirea thrives best in partial shade conditions, where it receives some sunlight but is protected from the intense heat of the midday sun. The ideal spot for this plant would be in an area that gets dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day, which mimics its natural woodland habitat. However, it can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates as long as it is adequately watered. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can reduce blooming and result in a less vigorous plant.

Temperature

False Spirea grows best in a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a wider range from about 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It's cold-hardy and can survive winter temperatures down to around minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to plant False Spirea in a location where it is protected from extreme heat, as excessive summer temperatures can stress the plant; provide additional water during these periods to help the plant remain healthy.

Pruning

False Spirea should be pruned to remove spent flowers and to maintain its shape, which encourages healthy growth and a more robust bloom in the following season. The best time for pruning is immediately after the plant has finished blooming, which is typically in late summer. Cutting back the flower stalks to the base will help promote additional flowering and can prevent the plant from becoming too leggy or sparse. Occasional thinning of the stems can also improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for False Spirea is one that retains moisture but also drains well. A mix of peat, loamy soil, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal. These plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

False Spirea does not need to be repotted frequently. It is typically repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound to ensure it has enough space to grow.

Humidity & Misting

False Spirea thrives in high humidity environments. Aim to maintain a humidity level of about 60-80% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide shade, moist soil, and high humidity for False Spirea.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist for False Spirea.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Astilbe 'Willie Buchanan' begins with seed germination, which generally occurs in early spring. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a young plant with distinctive foliage, developing into a mature perennial with a robust root system. This plant produces feathery plumes of flowers from mid to late summer, which are attractive to pollinators. After blooming, the flowers fade, and seeds develop, which can disperse to produce new plants if conditions are favorable. Throughout the growing season, the Astilbe 'Willie Buchanan' experiences periods of growth and dormancy, storing energy in its roots for the following season. The plant dies back in late autumn and remains dormant throughout the winter, with the cycle beginning anew the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Astilbe 'Willie Buchanan', a beautiful shade-loving perennial commonly known as false spirea or false goat's beard, can be propagated most successfully by division. The best time for dividing this plant is in the spring or early fall when the weather is cool and the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, first carefully dig up the entire clump of the plant, ensuring to maintain a good amount of roots. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy portion of roots. Replant these divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for growth. Make sure to water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method is preferred for its simplicity and effectiveness in maintaining the health and the vigor of the Astilbe plants.