SCIENTIFIC NAME: Astilbe hybrids

COMMON NAME: False spirea, astilbe

FAMILY: Saxifragaceae

TYPE: perennial

LEAVES: ovate-oblong, pinnately compound, doubly serrate, attractive dark green

FLOWER: dense branched panicles, 6" to 2' long; red, pink, or white

SEASON OF BLOOM: late spring and early summer for 4 weeks

GROWTH HABIT: 1' to 4'

SOIL: moist, high in organic matter essential

SUN: part shade in south essential

HARDINESS: zones 3 to 8

UTILIZATION: woodland areas, near water, borders; generally performs poorly in zone 8; plants frequently decline in heat of summer

DISEASES: powdery mildew, not serious

INSECTS AND RELATED PESTS: spider mites, Japanese beetles

PROPAGATION: seed, division in early spring or fall (growth about 1" tall)

MAINTENANCE: low

Species: A. chinensis var. pumila (Chinese astilbe) best for the south, more drought tolerant than most astilbe, spreads by stolons, can be used as a groundcover, 1' tall, rose colored flowers