Astilbe 'Diamonds and Pearls'

Astilbe 'Diamonds and Pearls': Starts White, Finishes Lime

Upright plumes that open silvery white from green buds and slowly age to lime. 'Diamonds and Pearls' blooms later than most astilbes, like it's timing its entrance. THE LATE ARRIVAL IN FULL BLING.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Astilbe chinensis 'Diamonds and Pearls'
• Common Name: False Spirea, Chinese Astilbe
• Height: 75 cm (30 in) in bloom
• Spread: 60 cm (24 in)
• Flowers: Upright plumes that open silvery white from green buds and age to lime green
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to late summer (July to August)
• Foliage: Dark green, finely divided leaves
• Features: Later bloom than Arendsii types, good cut flower

Where to Plant: Plant it in the middle of a shady border to keep the white going after earlier bloomers finish. It's a good choice for a white or moon garden, and for moist spots in shade where lawn won't grow.

Companion Plants: Plant this white astilbe in a moist, part-shade bed with blue spring flowers and pink summer bells. Brunnera macrophylla opens sky-blue sprays at 30 to 45 cm in April and May. Heuchera 'Timeless Treasure' adds rosy-pink bells at 25 to 30 cm from June to September. Hosta 'First Frost' brings blue-green leaves edged in cream at 40 to 45 cm. Carex 'Gold Fountains' edges the bed at 20 to 30 cm with gold-edged, arching blades.

Plant Care: Plant in part shade in rich, evenly moist soil with plenty of compost. Chinese astilbes handle a short dry spell a bit better than other types, but they still prefer moisture, so water during droughts and keep it mulched. Leave the plumes standing for winter interest and cut back in early spring. Divide every three to four years in spring if the clump gets crowded.

History: 'Diamonds and Pearls' was bred by Dutch astilbe specialist Harrie Verduin in Heemskerk, the Netherlands, from a 1998 cross between two Astilbe chinensis selections, and introduced through Witteman & Co. The species is native to China, Korea and parts of eastern Russia.

Final Thoughts: Plant it with earlier astilbes to keep the shade bed sparkling longer. Deer won't touch it. STACK THE BLING, LAYER THE SHADE.