Go Back Astilbe Sprite

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 4:03 PM
Astilbe 'Sprite'
    Butterfly IconDeer Resistant IconRock Garden IconHummingbird Icon

    Plant Type: Perennials

    Astilbes are mainstays of shade and woodland gardens. They are clump-forming perennials which feature graceful, fern-like mounds of compound leaves, usually with sharply-toothed leaflets, and tiny flowers densely packed into erect to arching, plume-like flower panicles rising above the foliage on slender, upright stems. Generally compact, low-growing variety which blooms in mid-season and features narrow, arching flower panicles and narrow, leaves. 'Sprite' is a dwarf variety which features a foliage mound to only 10" tall of slightly glossy, dark bronze-green leaves and drooping panicles of shell-pink flowers on arching stems typically rising 12-18" tall in late spring.

    Currently not available for online purchase.

    Growing & Maintenance Tips:

    Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, humusy, organically rich soils. Soils must not be allowed to dry out. If regularly watered, foliage will usually remain attractive throughout the growing season. A summer compost mulch helps retain soil moisture. Removing faded flower stalks will not prolong bloom but may improve plant appearance, particularly if a ground cover look is desired. On the other hand, many gardeners leave the flower stalks in place after bloom because of the continuing ornamental interest of the dried seed heads. Divide clumps when overcrowding occurs (every 3-4 years).

    Flower Color

    Shell pink

    Foliage Color

    Green

    Plant Spread

    12-18 in.

    Good Companions

    Ferns, Hosta, Iris, Pulmonaria.

    Plant Height

    12-18 in.

    Scape Height

    —

    Hardness Zone

    4-8

    Soil Moisture

    Average to wet water needs

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    Mass Plant, Woodland, Border, Large Ground cover, Pond or Stream Bank, Cut flower, Dried flower

    Bloom Time

    May to June

    Critter Resistance

    Deer resistant

    Exposure

    Full to part shade

    Growth Rate

    Medium

    Seasonal Interests

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