Astilbe Rheinland

Description

Astilbe ‘Rheinland’ – astilbe

Botanical name: Astilbe japonica ‘Rheinland’
Common names: Astilbe, false goat’s beard
Family: Saxifragaceae
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Clump-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 50–60cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Ferny, divided, green foliage, bronze-tinted when young; deciduous
Flowers: Feathery plumes of clear bright pink flowers in early to mid summer (June–July)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Partial shade (tolerates full sun only if the soil stays reliably moist)
Soil: Moist to wet, fertile, humus-rich; must not dry out; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Garden form; the parent species are native to Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Astilbe ‘Rheinland’ is a reliable perennial with feathery plumes of clear bright pink flowers over ferny foliage in early summer. Superb for early colour and texture in moist, shady borders and beside water.

GardenAdvice notes

A superb perennial for moist shade, astilbe is grown for its handsome, ferny, divided foliage and, above all, its beautiful feathery plumes of tiny flowers in summer, which glow in a shady border and dry to attractive rusty seedheads. It is the classic plant for damp, partly shaded spots — pond and stream sides, bog gardens and moist woodland borders — where its one essential need, reliable moisture, is easily met.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist to wet, fertile, humus-rich soil in partial shade — the single most important thing is that the soil never dries out, as astilbes hate drought. They tolerate full sun only where the soil stays reliably wet. Work in plenty of compost or leaf mould, and mulch. Space appropriately for size. Keep consistently moist.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance provided it never dries out. Keep the soil moist at all times, watering generously in dry spells. Leave the faded flower plumes standing, as they dry to attractive rusty seedheads that last through winter, then cut back in late winter or early spring. Feed and mulch in spring. Lift and divide congested clumps every few years in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in spring, as growth begins.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in moist soil. Its one real enemy is drought — if it dries out, the foliage scorches and browns at the edges, and the plant suffers. Powdery mildew or vine weevil occasionally occur. Kept moist, it is easy and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Superb beside ponds and streams, in bog gardens, moist and shady borders and woodland gardens, where its ferny foliage and feathery plumes bring colour and texture to damp shade; the dried seedheads give winter interest and the plumes are good for cutting.

Wildlife value

The flower plumes are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, and the seedheads offer some interest for wildlife.

Toxicity & safety

Astilbe is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Rheinland’ is a lovely, reliable early astilbe, its bright clear-pink plumes among the first to open in early summer above ferny, bronze-tinted young foliage. It’s a good doer for a moist, shady border or pond side; as always with astilbes, the one thing it won’t forgive is drying out, so keep it consistently moist.

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