Korean astilbe Astilbe koreana
ABOUT
Astilbe koreana, commonly known simply as Astilbe, is a perennial plant loved for its beautiful and showy flowers. It has a clumping habit and features dense, fern-like foliage that is deep green in color, creating an attractive mound of leaves. The texture of the leaves is typically finely dissected, giving them a delicate and feathery appearance. The most striking feature of Astilbe is its plume-like flowers that bloom atop sturdy, upright stems. These fluffy flower panicles are a favorite among gardeners and can vary in color, including shades of pink, red, purple, and white. The blooms are densely packed with tiny flowers that give the panicles a soft, cottony look. The flowering period takes place in the summer, and during this time, the plant becomes a focal point in any garden due to its vibrant and eye-catching blooms. While the leaves of Astilbe create an excellent ground cover when not in bloom, it's the frothy plumes of flowers that truly steal the show. After the flowering season, the seed heads can remain attractive, often persisting into fall and adding additional interest in the garden. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Astilbe has a graceful and elegant presence that can complement various styles of garden designs, making it a versatile choice for both formal and informal settings. It is also prized for being able to thrive in shady areas where other flowering plants might not perform as well.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Korean Astilbe, Korea False Spirea, Korea False Goat's Beard
Common names
Astilbe koreana.
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe koreana, commonly referred to as Astilbe, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or significant concerns of toxicity from ingestion of this plant by humans. Therefore, if properly identified, it should not cause any harmful symptoms if ingested in small quantities. However, eating any non-food plants is generally discouraged due to individual allergies or possible stomach irritation.
To pets
Astilbe koreana, typically known simply as Astilbe, is not considered toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. It is not listed on toxic plant lists by major animal welfare organizations like the ASPCA. As with humans, there should be no symptoms of poisoning in pets from ingesting this plant. However, consumption of non-dietary plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it is advisable to prevent pets from eating Astilbe or other ornamental 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
Korea
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Astilbe koreana, commonly known as Korean Astilbe, adds visual interest to gardens with its feathery plumes of flowers and fern-like foliage.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in shady conditions where other plants may struggle, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established in the right conditions.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers of Korean Astilbe are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden.
- Variety of Colors: The plant comes in a range of colors, allowing gardeners to create varied and vibrant landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides aesthetic interest across multiple seasons with changing foliage and flower colors.
- Soil Erosion Control: The dense growth and clumping nature of Astilbe koreana can help in preventing soil erosion in garden settings.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Korean Astilbe can tolerate periods of dryness, although it prefers moist conditions.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Borders: Astilbe koreana, commonly known as Korean astilbe, is often used to create attractive borders due to its feathery plumes and lush foliage.
- Floral Arrangements: The plumes of the Korean astilbe are sometimes cut and used in fresh or dried floral arrangements for their unique texture and long-lasting qualities.
- Shade Gardens: Because of its tolerance for lower light conditions, Korean astilbe is a popular choice for adding color and volume to shady garden spots.
- Ground Cover: The plant's dense foliage makes it an effective ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture in garden beds.
- Pond Borders: Korean astilbe can be planted around the edges of ponds or water features for a soft, natural look that blends well with the water element.
- Fairy Gardens: The delicate appearance of Korean astilbe makes it suitable for use in whimsical fairy garden designs to create a miniature, enchanted landscape.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of Korean astilbe can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to losing topsoil.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of the Korean astilbe may attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Korean astilbe's foliage often changes color in the fall, providing additional seasonal interest in the landscape after the blooms have faded.
- Container Gardening: Its compact size makes Korean astilbe a good candidate for container gardening, allowing those with limited space to enjoy this beautiful plant.
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 koreana, commonly known as Korean astilbe, blooms later in the summer, symbolizing the value of waiting and patience.
- Hope: Its lush, feathery plumes are often associated with hope and the expectation of good things to come.
- I'll Still Be Waiting: The morphology of the name 'Astilbe' suggests a play on words, representing a commitment to wait for a loved one.
- False Goat’s Beard: As a common nickname for the plant, it hints at illusions or false appearances, perhaps symbolizing that things aren't always as they seem.
WaterKorean Astilbe prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it regularly. During the growing season, water it thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions; hot, dry spells will require more frequent watering. Ensure the plant receives about 1 inch of water weekly. In times of prolonged dryness, you may need to increase watering to maintain soil moisture. Overhead watering can lead to fungal diseases, so it’s best to water at soil level, ideally in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
LightKorean Astilbe thrives in partial to full shade. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive dappled sunlight or light shade, avoiding the intense heat of the afternoon sun. Shielding the Astilbe from too much direct sunlight prevents the foliage from scorching and helps maintain the vibrancy of its blooms.
TemperatureKorean Astilbe prefers cooler temperatures and can endure a range between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It's essential to protect the plant from extreme heat, which can stress the plant and cause it to wilt or underperform. Korean Astilbe can survive winter temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be mulched to protect the roots from freezing.
PruningKorean Astilbe should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage reblooming. Pruning can also help maintain a tidy appearance and prevent self-sowing if desired. The best time for pruning is immediately after the flowering has finished. Korean Astilbe does not require extensive pruning, but deadheading can extend the blooming period or encourage a second flush of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilKorean Astilbe thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A good mix would include garden soil, compost, and peat moss to retain moisture and provide nutrients. Ensuring proper drainage is crucial to avoid root rot.
RepottingKorean Astilbe rarely needs repotting; they're typically repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current space. Division during repotting can help rejuvenate older clumps and encourage more vigorous growth.
Humidity & MistingKorean Astilbe prefers high humidity levels, ideally above 60%. They enjoy moist air, simulating their native woodland habitats, which supports their lush foliage and inflorescence.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep moist soil, high humidity, partial shade.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil consistently moist.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe koreana, commonly known as Korean astilbe, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome, which sprouts in early spring as temperatures rise. The plant then develops feathery foliage, creating an attractive mounded shape with deep green, fern-like leaves. By mid to late spring, the Korean astilbe produces tall, plume-like flowers ranging in color from white to various shades of pink and purple, depending on the cultivar. Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are attracted to the blooms, facilitating the plant's reproductive process. After flowering, seeds may form and disperse, giving rise to new plants, although propagation is more commonly achieved by dividing the rhizomes in the autumn. As temperatures drop in late fall, the astilbe enters a period of dormancy, retreating back into the rhizome which will overwinter and begin the cycle anew the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Astilbe koreana, commonly known as Korean Astilbe, is commonly propagated through division, which is most effectively done in the spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an existing clump of Astilbe and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. These sections can then be replanted in moist, well-drained soil, maintaining a spacing of about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Proper care should be taken to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season to establish a robust root system.
