False Spirea Astilbe 'Zuster Theresa' (× arendsii)
ABOUT
Astilbe 'Zuster Theresa' is a beautiful perennial characterized by its showy and feathery plumes of flowers that can add color and texture to any garden. The flowers make a striking appearance with a fluffy-looking, plume-like silhouette, exuding a sense of softness and delicate finesse. These blossoms are typically a vibrant pink shade that can greatly enhance a garden's visual appeal throughout its blooming season. The foliage of 'Zuster Theresa' Astilbe is equally attractive, often contributing to the ornamental value of the plant even when not in flower. The leaves are usually deeply divided with a fern-like appearance that offers a lush green backdrop, setting the stage for the brilliant display of blooms. This attractive greenery forms a dense, bushy clump and adds texture and interest to shaded garden areas or woodland settings. Together, the vivacious pink flowers and the handsome green foliage create a wonderfully contrasting spectacle. The plant's visual charm is further amplified when grown in groups, where the feathery flower plumes can truly make a bold, romantic statement, swaying gracefully with the breeze. The overall impression is of a plant that embodies a blend of elegance and hardy garden performance, making it a favored choice for ornamental gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Spirea, False Goat's Beard, Feather Flower
Common names
Astilbe × arendsii 'Zuster Theresa'
ToxicityTo humans
False spirea, including the Astilbe 'Zuster Theresa' cultivar, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There have not been significant reports of toxicity from ingesting parts of the False spirea. Hence, consuming parts of this plant is not expected to lead to poisoning or potentially harmful symptoms in humans.
To pets
False spirea, including the Astilbe 'Zuster Theresa' cultivar, is also generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from pets ingesting this plant. Therefore, the consumption of False spirea by pets is not known to result in any severe adverse effects or poisoning.
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
Varies
Native area
Asia Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Astilbe 'Zuster Theresa' attracts bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It is generally easy to care for and doesn't require frequent watering or pruning.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in partial to full shade, making it a great option for shaded areas where other plants may struggle.
- Deer Resistance: It tends to be resistant to deer, which can help prevent your garden from being damaged by wildlife.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a seasonal interest with its prominent feathery plumes of flowers and attractive foliage.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit can help prevent soil erosion in the landscape.
- Adds Texture: Provides a unique texture to garden designs with its fern-like foliage and fluffy flower spikes.
- Variety of Colors: Available in various colors, which allows for versatile design choices in the garden.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a long blooming period, typically from late spring to midsummer, adding extended color to the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it exhibits some drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens with variable rainfall.
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 used in eco-friendly landscape gardening, attracting beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Due to its dense foliage, Astilbe can be planted to prevent soil erosion in areas that are prone to losing topsoil, like slopes or riverbanks.
- The plant's feathery plumes add a soft acoustic element to gardens, slightly dampening ambient noise.
- In art, dried Astilbe flowers can be incorporated into floral arrangements, wreaths, and other craft projects.
- Astilbe flowers compose aesthetic photographic subjects due to their textured and colorful plumes, making them ideal for botanical photography enthusiasts.
- The flowers can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues ranging from soft pinks to deep purples depending on the plant's color and processing method.
- These plants can be used in educational settings, such as schools or nature centers, to help teach children about plant biology and the life cycle of perennials.
- Astilbe's contrasting leaf textures can be utilized in garden design to create visual interest and depth, especially in shade gardens.
- When create a moon garden — a garden designed to be enjoyed in the evening — the light-colored varieties of Astilbe can be planted as they reflect moonlight and create a luminous effect.
- The fresh or dried seed heads of Astilbe can be used in fish tanks to provide a natural and decorative shelter for small fish and other aquatic creatures.
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 often takes time to grow and flourish, much like the patience needed for love to fully blossom.
- Dedication and Commitment - The resilience and long-lasting blooms of the Astilbe flower symbolize steadfast dedication and enduring commitment.
- Hope - With its feathery plumes that seem to ascend upwards, Astilbe represents hope and a positive outlook towards the future.
WaterFalse Spirea should be kept consistently moist, so water it once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil drainage. During hot or dry spells, it may require additional watering to prevent the soil from drying out. Provide about one to two inches of water each time, ensuring the moisture reaches deep into the root zone. It is best to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Watering in the morning is ideal as it allows the plant to fully utilize the moisture and the foliage to dry before evening.
LightFalse Spirea thrives under partial shade to filtered sunlight conditions. The ideal spot for planting is where it can be shielded from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate foliage. It can also grow in full shade but flowering may be reduced. Morning sunlight with afternoon shade is preferable for vivid flowers and healthy growth.
TemperatureFalse Spirea is hardy and can survive within a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers a cooler climate. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F and can handle heat up to 80°F, but it thrives best when the temperature ranges between 60°F and 70°F. While it is cold-hardy, extended periods below freezing may require mulching to protect the root system.
PruningFalse Spirea benefits from pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage additional blooming. Prune the spent flower stalks back to the base after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding. Prune out any dead or damaged wood in the early spring. Overall, minimal pruning is necessary; just tidy up the plant as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Spirea requires a rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix consists of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingFalse Spirea does not typically require frequent repotting as it can thrive in the same spot for several years. It should be divided or repotted every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingFalse Spirea thrives best in high humidity environments, similar to that of its natural woodland habitat. Aim for a humidity level of 60-80% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in a humid, indirect light area, water when topsoil dries.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist and well-drained.
Life cycleAstilbe 'Zuster Theresa', commonly known as False Goat's Beard, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome which, when planted in early spring, will sprout stems and foliage as temperatures rise. The foliage grows into a mounded shape with compound leaves, setting the stage for its ornamental value in garden settings. By mid to late spring or early summer, it enters the flowering stage, producing feathery plumes that rise above the foliage in shades of pink, and this bloom period can last several weeks. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers will fade and seed heads will form, although Astilbes are more commonly propagated by division of rhizomes rather than by seed. As fall approaches, the plant’s leaves will start to wither and turn brown; the plant enters dormancy over the winter, retreating back to its rhizome. The life cycle repeats in spring when new growth emerges from the rhizome, continuing the perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Astilbe 'Zuster Theresa', also known as False Goat's Beard, is by division. This can be performed in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering in the fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the mature plant, making sure to keep a sizable amount of the root ball intact. Using a sharp knife or spade, cut the plant into several sections, ensuring that each section has at least 2 or 3 growth buds. Replant the divisions promptly, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45.72 cm) apart to allow for ample growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of propagation is effective as it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and allows the gardener to quickly increase their stock.
