Astilbe 'Spotlight'

Astilbe 'Spotlight': Bronze Foliage, Pink Encore

Somebody aimed a SPOTLIGHT at the darkest corner of your yard and this astilbe walked right into it. Soft pink plumes on burgundy stems, chocolate-marked leaves and absolutely NO STAGE FRIGHT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Astilbe hybrid
• Common Name: False Spirea, Astilbe
• Height: 50–55 cm (20–22 in)
• Spread: 40–50 cm (16–20 in)
• Flowers: Soft light pink, in fluffy plumes on deep burgundy stems
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July to August)
• Foliage: Glossy, finely cut leaves that emerge bronze-purple and age to deep green with dark chocolate markings

Where to Plant: Its dark leaves make it useful long before it blooms. Plant it near the front or middle of a shade border, in a woodland bed, or in a container by a shady door.

Companion Plants: Pair the gold leaves of 'Spotlight' with blue flowers and dark green in a moist, shady bed. Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain' opens cobalt-blue flowers at 25 to 30 cm in April and May. Hosta 'June Fever' adds bright gold leaves with green edges at 40 cm. Tricyrtis hirta brings spotted toad lily flowers at 60 to 90 cm in August and September. Carex 'Ice Dance' edges the front with broad, white-edged blades at 30 cm.

Plant Care: Plant in spring or early fall in rich, moist soil with plenty of compost. Morning sun with afternoon shade brings out the best leaf colour, as long as the soil stays damp. Water regularly, especially in the first summer and during heat waves. A layer of mulch keeps the roots cool and saves you some watering. Leave the faded plumes for winter interest or trim them off. Cut the stems back in late fall or early spring. Divide in spring every three to four years.

History: 'Spotlight' was bred by Wilhelmus van Veen in Noorden, the Netherlands, from a 2003 cross between a Chinese astilbe hybrid seedling and the white Arendsii astilbe 'Weisse Gloria'. It was selected in 2005.

Final Thoughts: Give it the shady corner nobody else wants and let it take its bows. The deer can watch from the cheap seats. ENCORE, ENCORE!