ASTILBE (Astil'be)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of hardy perennials, which are natives of Japan, Korea and China. They are grown for their beautiful, feathery plumes or arching spires of flowers, which come in shades of pink, red, crimson, purple and white. These plants form clumps and grow from 18 inches to 3 feet high.

POTTING: Astilbe should be planted in the spring or fall. They need to be grown in moist, loamy soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot. If they are in a sunny position, they will need to be watered freely in dry weather. They are suitable for planting near the garden pool or pond or in other damp places. If they are left undisturbed they will form large, free-blooming plants.

PROPAGATION: Increase your plants by lifting them in the spring and dividing them into rooted pieces. Seeds may be sown in light soil in a greenhouse and when they're large enough they should be planted outside.

VARIETIES: A. japonica; A. Davidii; A. grandis; A. rivularis. Many hybrids have been raised including - Betsy Cuperus, Europa, Erica, Fanal, Gertrude Brix, Granat, Gruno, Red Sentinel, Prof. Van der Wielan, Peach Blossom, Deutschland, W. Reeves. (These are also good for growing in pots as well as outside.) These are delicate, dwarf kinds suitable for moist places in the rock garden - A. chinensis pumila; A. crispa; A. simplicifolia.

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