Astilbe White Gloria

Description

Astilbe ‘White Gloria’ – astilbe

Botanical name: Astilbe ‘White Gloria’ (Weisse Gloria)
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, fresh green foliage; deciduous
Flowers: Dense, feathery, creamy-white plumes 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 ‘White Gloria’ is a handsome perennial with dense, feathery creamy-white plumes over ferny green foliage in summer. Superb for lighting up moist, shady borders and beside water.

GardenAdvice notes

A superb perennial for moist shade, astilbe is grown for its handsome, ferny, divided foliage and 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.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist to wet, fertile, humus-rich soil in partial shade — the most important thing is that the soil never dries out, as astilbes hate drought. Work in plenty of compost or leaf mould, and mulch. Space appropriately for size.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance provided it is kept moist. Water generously in dry spells. Leave the faded plumes standing, as they dry to attractive rusty seedheads for 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, which scorches and browns the foliage. 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

‘White Gloria’ lights up a shady, moist spot with its dense creamy-white plumes — white is especially valuable in shade, where it glows in the gloom. Combine it with ferns, hostas and pink or red astilbes for a lovely woodland effect; just keep it reliably moist at all times, as drought is the one thing astilbes won’t forgive.

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