Astilbe Chinensis Amber Moon 17Cm Pot

Description

Common Name: Hybrid Astilbe, False Spirea
 

This Astilbe is useful for brightening up the shade garden as well as providing beautiful long-stemmed flowers for fresh and dried bouquets. 

The foliage emerges bright chartreuse yellow in spring with a tinge of red pigment in the newest leaves.  It provides a bright spot of colour and lacy texture to the shade garden in spring and then greens up a bit by late summer. 

Very tall, strong, blush red stems carry rose pink flower panicles in midsummer. 

‘Amber Moon’ displays good heat tolerance and a robust habit like Chinese Astilbe, though we cannot say for sure that it is pure Chinensis.  It is best grown in partial to full shade because of its light coloured foliage. 

How to Grow

Astilbes are long-lived perennials that are most comfortable when grown in rich soil and light shade to filtered sun.  They will grow in full shade, but will not bloom as prolifically there. 

Though they are easy to grow, Astilbes have one critical requirement--lots of water.  Plants must have consistently moist soil; dryness leads to a quick demise, especially in the sun.  Increase watering as the foliage emerges and the plumes mature.  If the soil dries out, the leaves will develop brown, crispy margins and will begin to drop. 

Fertilize Astilbes in late spring before flowering starts.  Wait to cut back the old foliage until spring; it will help protect the plant from winter damage.  In the spring, if the crown has risen above soil level, gently press it back into the ground and apply some organic matter around the plant.