GOAT’S
BEARD
Family SAXIFRAGACEAE
Astilbe species
Perennial
Comprises about fourteen species inhabiting
moist places in eastern Asia and eastern North
AmericAstilbe The plants are mostly of tall habit,
with elegant fern-like foliage and small flowers,
varying from white to shades of pink, salmon,
purple and red, borne in dense spikes that form
feathery panicles.
The present race of garden varieties is believed
to have originated from crosses between them.
Astilbe astilboides and Astilbe thunbergii, with probably
the occasional use of Astilbe rutilans and Astilbe carminia
as well as Astilbe japonica and Astilbe davidii, a species
of tall habit with crimson magenta flowers and
violet filaments and deep blue anthers.
For the middle portion of the border and on the
banks of ponds or streams as well as in sparse
woodland where the soil is never really dry, the
Astilbes are to be seen under the most suitable
conditions.
Astilbe simplicifolia, Astilbe x crispa and Astilbe x humilis
are attractive miniatures valuable for rock gardens.
Propagate by division or seeds.
The flowering season is from July until late August.
See also Spireas
|
