Astilbe are well known herbaceous perennials with divided leaves and erect plume-like panicles of tiny white, pink or purple flowers in summer. The old, brown flower-heads remain attractive in autumn before the leaves die back. I have just acquired 2 dwarf plants.

Astilbe glaberrima

• Astilbe glaberrima var. saxatilis is a rhizomatous, dwarf, herbaceous perennial growing   2- 6″ tall.
• They typically have glossy bronze-green, deeply divided leaves and short sprays of pink-tinged white flowers. It is also called by its common name,   Rock Astilbe.
• Plants are clump forming and like water and fertilizer when in growth.
• Insects are not a problem but powdery mildews may be troublesome.
• The plants are hardy in most aspects with or without shelter.
• Any soil will suit as long as it is moist but loam with spring fertilizer helps.
• Propagate by division in late winter or early spring, pot divisions under glass and plant out in late spring. I intend keeping them in pots
• Astilbe glaberrima var. saxatilis is deciduous and the leaves are falling from the centre of both these plants.
• Companion plant Astilbes with Hostas and border phlox, which all like the same damp, shady conditions.

RHS AGM 2010 booklet pdf. lists Astilbe with an AGM

Gardeners Tips Favourite Links

• The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
• Alpine Garden Society (AGS)
• Garden Organic the national charity for organic gardening formerly Henry Double Day Research
• BBC Gardening
• See our sister site Gardening Products for tips and ideas on Garden products new and old.
• Woodlands Trust
• The Pacific Bulb Society
• Thompson & Morgan search for seeds and plants

Traditional Astilibe Credit astilbe by Janet 59 CC BY-ND 2.0