Astilbe Sister Theresa

Description

Astilbe ‘Sister Theresa’ – astilbe

Botanical name: Astilbe x arendsii ‘Sister Theresa’
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; deciduous
Flowers: Elegant, feathery plumes of soft pale pink flowers in 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 ‘Sister Theresa’ is a graceful perennial with feathery plumes of soft pale pink flowers over ferny foliage in summer. Gentle and pretty for 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

‘Sister Theresa’ offers soft, gentle pale-pink plumes — a pretty, restful choice for a moist, shady border or beside water, mixing beautifully with the stronger astilbe colours and with ferns and hostas. Keep it reliably moist at all times, as with all astilbes, and leave the plumes to dry to rusty seedheads for winter.

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