False Goat's Beard Astilbe rivularis var. myriantha
ABOUT
Astilbe, commonly known by this name, is a flowering plant hailed for its eye-catching and graceful fern-like foliage coupled with pyramidal or plume-like flower clusters that present a fluffy appearance. The leaves of Astilbe are typically finely divided, offering a delicate and finely textured look akin to a lush fern. The foliage is often a deep green, which provides a striking contrast to the flowers. The blooms are its most distinctive feature, with colors that span a range of hues, such as pinks, purples, whites, and reds. These flowers, composed of many small florets, are densely packed together on stems that rise elegantly above the bushy mounds of leaves, giving the plant a feathery and airy look. The flowering plumes can catch the light and seem to glow when backlit by the sun, adding a touch of luminescence to garden spaces. Astilbe is admired for its striking textural qualities and color, making it a popular choice for adding visual interest to shaded garden areas. The combination of its feathery plumes and deeply cut leaves brings a variety of form and texture that can complement many other plants in a lush landscape design. It's also favored for its long-lasting blooms, which can persist for several weeks and serve as an important source of color during their blooming season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
False Goat's Beard, False Spirea
Common names
Astilbe myriantha, Astilbe rivularis var. delavayi, Astilbe delavayi.
ToxicityTo humans
Astilbe is not known to be toxic to humans. These ornamental plants are generally considered safe, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting Astilbe. However, it is generally advised not to eat ornamental plants because of the potential presence of pesticides or other chemicals used during cultivation.
To pets
Astilbe is not known to be toxic to pets either. This means that if a pet, such as a dog or cat, ingests parts of the plant, they are unlikely to suffer from any significant poisoning symptoms. However, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause mild stomach upset in some animals, so it is always best to keep an eye on your pet and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Himalayas
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Astilbe, often known as False Goat's Beard, adds a soft, feathery texture to gardens with its showy plumes of flowers which can enhance the visual interest and beauty of any landscape.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blossoms of Astilbe attract various pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity in your garden.
- Shade Tolerance: Astilbe is well-suited for shaded areas where many other plants struggle, allowing for garden interest in lower light conditions.
- Soil Erosion Control: Astilbe can help prevent soil erosion due to its clumping growth habit, which stabilizes the soil in the planted area.
- Versatility: This plant is suitable for a range of uses including borders, woodland gardens, and alongside water features due to its moisture tolerance.
- Low Maintenance: Astilbe is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, some varieties of Astilbe are somewhat resistant to short periods of drought, though they prefer consistent moisture.
- Seasonal Interest: With its attractive foliage and late spring to summer blooming period, Astilbe adds seasonal interest to the garden.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Astilbe is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, reducing the need for protective measures in your garden.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decorative Display: Astilbe is frequently used in floral arrangements and bouquets for its feathery plumes and adds texture to the composition.
- Shade Gardening: The plant thrives in shaded gardens, providing lush foliage and flowers where other plants might struggle.
- Ground Cover: They can serve as a ground cover in woodland gardens due to their clumping growth habit.
- Water Feature Complement: Astilbe can be planted around ponds or streams to enhance the naturalistic appeal of water features in the landscape.
- Erosion Control: The dense root system of Astilbe helps stabilize soil on slopes and can be used to prevent erosion in certain areas.
- Edging Plants: They can be used as border plants in garden beds, creating a neat edge due to their compact growth form.
- Wildlife Garden: Attracting butterflies and pollinators, Astilbe contributes to the biodiversity of a garden.
- Texture Contrast: In garden design, Astilbe is used to create contrast with its unique feathery flowers against plants with broad leaves or simpler flowers.
- Companion Planting: Astilbe is often paired with ferns or hostas for a harmonious plant composition in shade gardens.
- Festive Decor: Dried Astilbe flowers can be used in seasonal wreaths or other decorative crafts for a rustic touch.
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 often takes time to bloom and flourish, symbolizing the virtue of patience and the rewards that come with waiting.
- Dedication: The plant's perennial nature reflects a symbol of dedication and long-term commitment.
- Grace: With its feathery plumes and soft appearance, the Astilbe is often associated with elegance and grace.
- Protection: Its dense foliage can be seen as providing a safe haven, representing shelter and protection.
- Water Association: As it thrives in moist conditions, the Astilbe symbolizes the affinity with water and can represent emotions and intuition.
WaterFalse goat's beard (Astilbe rivularis var. myriantha) prefers consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to become slightly dry between watering sessions. During hot or dry spells, increase the frequency to twice per week to maintain soil moisture. Each watering session should involve slow, deep watering to encourage root growth, with about 1-2 inches of water or roughly 1 to 1.5 gallons per square foot of soil. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; direct water at the base of the plant instead.
LightFalse goat's beard thrives in partial to full shade conditions. The ideal spot for planting is one where it is shielded from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate foliage. Bright, indirect light or dappled sunlight under a canopy of trees is the best lighting condition for this plant.
TemperatureFalse goat's beard grows best within a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is tolerant of cooler climates and should be protected from extreme heat, which can damage the plant.
PruningPrune false goat's beard to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Pruning should be done immediately after the first flush of flowers fades, typically in mid to late summer. Cut the flower stalks back to the base of the plant. Additionally, remove any damaged or dead foliage in early spring to maintain a tidy appearance and promote healthy growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Goat's Beard thrives in moist, humus-rich soil with good drainage and prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix for False Goat's Beard would be a blend of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure moisture retention and aeration. Amend the soil with organic matter annually to maintain fertility.
RepottingFalse Goat's Beard does not typically require frequent repotting. It can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in its new pot before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingFalse Goat's Beard prefers a humid environment, which helps to replicate its natural habitat. Aim for a humidity level around 60-80%. Grouping it with other plants or using a humidity tray can help to achieve the desired humidity level.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in partial shade, maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist, protect from heat.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleAstilbe rivularis var. myriantha, commonly known as False Goat's Beard, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in moist soil conditions, typically in the spring. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops a root system and foliage, entering the vegetative stage of growth where leaves and stems expand and mature. Throughout the growing season, this herbaceous perennial establishes a clump of compound leaves with toothed leaflets and a fibrous root system. Once mature enough, False Goat's Beard produces tall, plume-like flower spikes in mid to late summer, marking the reproductive stage where flowers are pollinated by insects, leading to seed formation. After flowering, seeds are dispersed by wind or wildlife, and the above-ground parts of the plant die back as it enters dormancy for the winter. The next growing season, the plant resumes growth from the roots, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Astilbe (Astilbe rivularis var. myriantha) is division. This process is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring each has a portion of root and a few growth buds. These divisions can then be replanted in the garden at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish the new Astilbes. This method not only helps to propagate new plants but also invigorates the older clumps, stimulating fresh growth and flowering.
