Astilbe

Family: Saxifragaceae
Blooming season: Summer
Colour: Available in white, pinks & reds.
Height: To 80 cm tall.
Planting time: Best planted during Winter.
Preferred position: A cool shady place but will tolerate some morning sun.
Soil: Very tolerant of most soil types.
Depth & Spacing: 30cm apart with crown at soil surface.
Watering: Be generous with water over the dry periods.
Fertiliser: Add well composted manure to ground at planting. Apply a further dressing of general fertiliser during growing phase and mulch over Winter with more composted manure.
Pest or problems: Mostly trouble free. Can be left undisturbed for years. Looks and performs well around ponds and streams. 1