Astilbe 'Straussenfeder'
Astilbe 'Ostrich Plume'
Astilbes, with their fluffy plumes, are among the most rewarding summer-flowering hardy perennials. They have attractive fern-like leaves and in mid to late summer, produce spires of tiny flowers on stiff stems. They range in height from dwarf varieties at 30cm to tall specimens of 1.2m. They thrive in moist conditions in sun or half shade. 'Straussenfeder' has pink weeping panicles on arching stems. Lush, deeply cut dark green foliage is attractive for the entire season. Young foliage may be tinged with bronze.
Contributed by @reedie-cottsge
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Full sun to partial shade
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Occasional watering
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Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)
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Moist and free draining
Common name
Astilbe 'Ostrich Plume'
Latin name
Astilbe 'Straussenfeder'
type
Herbaceous Perennials
family
Saxifragaceae
ph
5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral
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Light
Full sun to partial shade
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Frost
Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)
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Soil
Moist and free draining
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Water
Occasional watering
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
full grown dimensions
0.50 M
1.20 M
Astilbe 'Straussenfeder'
Astilbes, with their fluffy plumes, are among the most rewarding summer-flowering hardy perennials. They have attractive fern-like leaves and in mid to late summer, produce spires of tiny flowers on stiff stems. They range in height from dwarf varieties at 30cm to tall specimens of 1.2m. They thrive in moist conditions in sun or half shade. 'Straussenfeder' has pink weeping panicles on arching stems. Lush, deeply cut dark green foliage is attractive for the entire season. Young foliage may be tinged with bronze.
Planting young plants
From Late Autumn TO Early Spring
Plant young plants at any time from autumn to early spring in rich, moist soil. They grow particularly well by ponds or streams. Plant in a sunny or partially shaded position. Apply a thick mulch of well rotted manure or forest bark around the plants to help retain soil moisture and to feed the plant.
Propagation
From Late Winter TO Early Spring
Propagation is easiest by dividing established plants. Division is advisable about every 4 years, otherwise the clumps can die in the centre. To divide, place two hand forks back-to-back near the middle of the plant. Gently push the handles back and forth so that the prongs gradually tease the plant apart. Repeat the process with each portion to divide the plant into more sections, making sure each section has a healthy bud.
reedie-cottsge
bellaprim