Product Description
Astilbe 'Sister Theresa'Common Name: Astilbe-Hybrid, Spirea
Zones 4 to 9.
Full sun to full shade.
Plants reach 24 inches tall and 16 to 20 inches wide;
Clump forming habit.
Growth rate: Moderate, slow spreading, rhizomatous plants.
Large, blocky, salmon-pink plumes in early to mid-summer. Finely cut, medium to dark green leaves. Astilbe x arendsii (Hybrid Astilbe/ Spirea) is a group of hybrids that includes crosses between A. chinensis var. davidii with A. astilboides, A. japonica, and A. thunbergii. The resulting hybrids comprise over 95% of all Astilbe sold in the USA.
Astilbe are easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade; whereas these long-lived perennials prefer rich soil with light shade to filtered sun. Plants do need moist conditions, hot sun and dry soils cause crisp foliage. They will grow in full shade, but will not be as floriferous. Compost mulch helps retain soil moisture and improves performance. Divide clumps when overcrowding occurs. Leave old foliage until early spring for winter protection and fertilize mid to late spring. If winter heave causes the crown to rise above soil level, gently press it back into the ground and apply organic matter around the plant.
Excellent as a border plant, container, cut flower or foliage, dried flower or seed heads, fragrant, mass plantings, mainstays of shade and woodland gardens. Deer and rabbit resistant.
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!
