Culture

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, 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).

Noteworthy Characteristics

Astilbe × arendsii hybrids are a large group of hybrids involving crosses between A. chinensis, A. japonica, A. thunbergii and A. astilboides and named after German nursery man George Arends (1862-1952). They are clump-forming perennials which feature graceful, fern-like mounds of mostly basal, 2-3 ternately 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. They can vary considerably as to plant size, inflorescence shape, leaf color/shape and bloom period because of the different and sometimes complex parentage of the various plants now lumped under this hybrid grouping.

Genus name comes from the Greek words a meaning without and stilbe meaning brightness in reference to the dull leaves of some species.

Specific epithet honors German nursery man George Arends (1862-1952)

'Heavy Metal' - Late season bloomer; fluffy ruby-red flower plumes are full and larger than most, they appear in summer above dark green cut-leaf foliage; great for containers.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Foliage decline (leaves brown up) may occur in hot summers and/or periods of drought if soils are not kept moist. Powdery mildew and wilt may appear. Japanese beetles may chew on the foliage.

Uses

Mass or group in shade gardens, woodland gardens and shaded areas of border fronts and cottage gardens. Excellent ground cover or edging plant for shady areas. Also effective on pond or stream banks. Foundations.