Astilbe 'Bridal Veil'

Astilbe 'Bridal Veil': Wedding White for the Darkest Corner

Pure white lacy plumes with tips that droop gracefully, like a train trailing down the aisle. 'Bridal Veil' brings the whole wedding to the shade garden. SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING SHADE-LOVING.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Astilbe × arendsii 'Bridal Veil' (also sold as 'Brautschleier')
• Common Name: False Spirea, Astilbe
• Height: 70 cm (28 in) in bloom
• Spread: 30 cm (12 in)
• Flowers: Pure white, open, lacy plumes up to about 25 cm (10 in) long, with tips that droop gracefully
• Bloom Time: Midsummer (July)
• Foliage: Glossy, bright green, finely divided leaves
• Features: RHS Award of Garden Merit, rabbit resistant, good cut and dried flower

Where to Plant: Its narrow habit lets it slip into tight spots in a shade bed. White plumes light up dark corners at dusk, so plant it near a patio or path you use in the evening. It's a natural near ponds and in damp beds, and massed along a shady path it makes a soft, white edge.

Companion Plants: Rodgersia aesculifolia makes a bold backdrop with big leaves and cream flowers in June and July. In front, Heuchera 'Grape Soda' adds pink flowers from May to August on a low 20 to 25 cm mound. Liriope 'Royal Purple' brings purple spikes in August and September, after the white plumes are done. This group loves the same moist shade to part sun.

Plant Care: Plant in part shade in rich soil that stays moist. It doesn't handle drought or hot afternoon sun, so mulch well and water during dry spells. Clay soil is fine if it doesn't bake dry. Leave the faded plumes for winter interest and cut the plant back in early spring. Divide every three to four years in spring when the clump starts to flower less in the middle.

History: 'Brautschleier' is German for bridal veil, and the plant is an Arendsii hybrid from the group Georg Arends developed in Germany in the early twentieth century by crossing several Asian astilbe species. It remains one of the standard white astilbes and carries the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Plant a few in a moist, shady spot and cut some for the bouquet. Deer won't crash the reception. YOU MAY NOW KISS THE GARDENER.