Product Description
Astilbe x arendsii 'Gladstone' Bare Root Plants
Common Name: False Spirea
- Height: 18-24 Inches
- Spread: 18-24 Inches
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Part Shade to Shade
- Deciduous
- Blooms White - Early Summer
- Foliage emerges bronze fading to dark green in Summer
- Effective as a shade ground cover in large groups
- Consistent moisture required
Astilbe arendsii 'Gladstone' foliage is dark green and blooms are white on upright plumes late Spring. Requires consistent moisture and prefers rich, well drained soil. Best to cut Astilbe back in the early Spring. Use for mass planting, borders, woodland and shade gardens. Mature height 18"-24", spread 18"-24".
Astilbes are long-lived perennials that are most comfortable when grown in rich soil and light shade to filtered sun. They will grow in full shade, but will not bloom as prolifically there.
Though they are easy to grow, Astilbes have one critical requirement--lots of water. Plants must have consistently moist soil; dryness leads to a quick demise, especially in sun. Increase watering as the foliage emerges and the plumes mature. If the soil dries out, the leaves will develop brown, crispy margins and will begin to drop.
Fertilize Astilbes in late spring before flowering starts. Wait to cut back the old foliage until spring; it will help protect the plant from winter damage. In the spring, if the crown has risen above soil level, gently press it back into the ground and apply some organic matter around the plant. Plants should be divided in early spring every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Astilbe 'Gladstone' is a beautiful and reliable variety of Astilbe, a popular shade-loving perennial known for its feathery plumes of flowers and attractive foliage. Here is a closer look at what makes 'Gladstone' a great choice for your garden:
Appearance and Characteristics:
- Elegant white plumes: 'Gladstone' produces tall, upright plumes of delicate, pure white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. These plumes add a touch of elegance and brightness to shady areas.
- Attractive foliage: The plant has attractive, fern-like, dark green foliage that provides interest even when the plant is not in bloom. The leaves emerge with a bronze tint and mature to a deep green.
- Moderate size: It typically grows 18-24 inches tall and spreads about 18-24 inches wide, making it a good size for borders, beds, or containers.
- Long blooming period: The flowers last for several weeks, providing a long-lasting display of color.
Growing Conditions and Care:
- Shade lover: 'Gladstone' thrives in partial to full shade. It is an excellent choice for areas with limited sunlight.
- Moist soil: It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. It does not tolerate dry conditions well.
- Rich soil: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and fertility.
- Maintenance: Low maintenance. Remove spent flower stalks (plumes) after blooming to keep the plant tidy. Cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring.
- Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
Benefits:
- Brightens shady areas: The white flowers add a touch of brightness to shady gardens.
- Attractive foliage: The fern-like foliage provides interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Long blooming period: The flowers last for several weeks.
- Easy to care for: It is a relatively low-maintenance plant.
- Deer resistant: Deer tend to avoid Astilbes.
Uses:
- Borders and beds: Adds a touch of elegance to borders and beds in shady areas.
- Woodland gardens: A natural choice for woodland gardens.
- Shade gardens: Ideal for shady gardens or areas under trees.
- Container gardening: Can be grown in containers, especially in areas with limited space.
- Cut flowers: The flowers make beautiful cut flowers.
Overall, Astilbe 'Gladstone' is a beautiful and reliable perennial that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and brightness to shady areas of your garden. Its white plumes, attractive foliage, and easy care make it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
