Astilbes
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Astilbes
- From: G* A* <b*@TOGETHER.NET>
- Date: Thu, 3 Jun 1999 07:05:42 -0400
A windy, rainy morning up here on the mountain. We certainly can use some rain!
Astilbes seem to be an under used plant here in Vermont. Once people get a chance to incorporate them in their gardens, they seem to use them more often. We have about 40 varieties which work well with lilium, daylilies and hosta which we also grow. We have groundcover heights of 8" up to some that are 6-7 feet tall. They can take a lot of abuse and still come back well. This year we had almost no rain from late March into late May. The astilbes actually wilted and then one night got hit by a 24 degree frost. First time I have ever seen them affected this way---but of course they bounded back in a couple days!
They are a good investment because they are very hardy and can be split up to share with friends, give to plant sales, etc. Taquetti Superba is one of the taller ones that butterflies enjoy later in the season when it blooms. It multiplies well and takes an axe or big knife to split it up. I think my favorite is Straussenfeder which is a rosy pink weeping ostrich plume type that reaches about 4 feet here in July.
I have never found a good book on Astilbes--only a few words here or there. Descriptions seem quite basic and limited to color and height. If anyone knows of a good resource, I'd appreciate it.
Happy gardening!
George Africa
Vermont Flower Farm
256 Peacham Pond Road
Marshfield VT 05658
Zone 4
bizplanr@together.net
