- Botanical Name
- ‘Europa’, ‘Washington’: Astilbe japonica. ‘Cattleya’, Paul Gaarder’: A. x arendsii. 'Chocolate Shogun': A. thunbergii
- Plant Type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Size (HxW)
- ‘Europa’: 45-60cm x 45-60cm. ‘Cattleya’: 60-90cm x 45- 60cm. ‘Washington’: 50cm x 50cm. ‘Paul Gaarder’: 70-85cm x 40-60cm. 'Chocolate Shogun': 30-70cm x 30-60cm. Depth & Spacing: Plant where the roots meet the stem with the roots spread evenly below the soil surface.
Space 30-60cm apart.
- Soil
- Humus rich, moist soil is ideal. Acid to neutral PH is preferred but not demanded.
- Aspect
- Semi shade to bright light. Full sun will be tolerated in cool climates if the plants are kept well watered. In too much shade they won’t flower well and become straggly.
- Climate
- Cool to Mediterranean
- Frost
- Fully hardy
- Water
- Water to establish, then keep moist in active growth. Be sure to keep moist in warm conditions. With water the foliage can remain into autumn.
- Fertiliser
- Apply a general purpose fertiliser once the plant starts to shoot in spring, and again in summer. You could add a dry mulch and some well composted manure over winter.
- Flowering Time
- Sum to Aut ‘Europa’: Spr to Sum
- After Flower Care
- Brown flowers can be removed to tidy or left on the plant for their ornamental value. Removing the flowers will not encourage more blooms. If you choose to leave the seed heads on through winter, cut right back in early spring.
- Notes
- Flowers suitable for picking. Add a little mulch in summer to help retain moisture in the soil. Dig and divide every 3-4 years in spring to keep your plants vigorous. Replant only the new rhizomes toss the old woody ones.
