Astilbe 'Vision in White'

Astilbe 'Vision in White': Creamy White for the Moon Garden

Every garden needs one plant that wears white and never spills. 'Vision in White' brings creamy plumes to the shade like it's catering a wedding, then leaves the dried plumes standing all winter. STILL DRESSED AFTER THE RECEPTION.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Astilbe chinensis 'Vision in White'
• Common Name: False Spirea, Chinese Astilbe
• Height: 45–60 cm (18–24 in) in flower
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Flowers: Creamy white, in narrow, upright plumes
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July to August)
• Foliage: Glossy, finely divided, dark green with a bronze tint
• Features: Good for cutting, dried plumes give winter interest
• Plant Patent: USPP 18,965

Where to Plant: Use it along shady borders, at woodland edges, or in drifts where the soil stays reasonably moist. White plumes show up beautifully at dusk, so it earns a spot in any evening or moon garden, and it's compact enough for the front of a bed or a large container. It handles heavy clay as long as it doesn't bake dry.

Companion Plants: Plant Cimicifuga 'Chocoholic' a step behind, so its pink spires take over from August to October once the white plumes fade. Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds' gives blue spring flowers in April and May and fills the front with big, heart-shaped leaves. Dicentra 'Luxuriant' adds red, dangling hearts from May to August at a low 30 to 38 cm. Together they bring three seasons of colour to a shady border.

Plant Care: Plant it in rich, moist, humus-rich soil in part shade. Morning sun is fine. Hot afternoon sun and dry soil together will scorch the leaves. Water through dry spells, especially in the first season, and keep a layer of mulch over the roots. Leave the spent plumes standing for winter interest and cut everything back in early spring. Dig in a little compost each spring. Divide every three or four years in spring if the centre of the clump starts to thin.

History: 'Vision in White' was bred by Johannes van Veen in Noorden, the Netherlands, from a 2003 cross, selected in 2005 and patented in 2008. The species, Astilbe chinensis, is native to eastern Asia and blooms later than most garden astilbes.

Final Thoughts: Pair it with dark foliage and watch the whole bed suddenly look expensive. NO STAINS, NO DRAMA, NO DEER.