Astilbe 'Glitter and Glamour'

Astilbe 'Glitter and Glamour': Pale Pink Drifts Where Others Sulk

Pale pink upright plumes, perfect for a damp spot that has been waiting years for its makeover. 'Glitter and Glamour' turns a soggy corner into a gala. SEQUINS NOT INCLUDED, BUT IMPLIED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Astilbe chinensis 'Glitter and Glamour'
• Common Name: False Spirea, Chinese Astilbe
• Height: 70 cm (28 in) in bloom
• Spread: 50 cm (20 in)
• Flowers: Upright plumes of pale pink
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July)
• Foliage: Dark green, finely divided leaves
• Features: Suited to damp spots

Where to Plant: Use it in the middle of a shady border, along a woodland path or in a damp corner where other perennials sulk. It's a good fit for rain gardens, low spots and heavy clay that stays moist through summer. Plant it in a group of three or five so the plumes read as one soft drift.

Companion Plants: Pair these pale pink plumes with dark leaves and tall yellow spires in a moist, shady bed. Heuchera 'Midnight Rose' adds dark purple leaves splashed with pink at 25 cm. Hosta 'Old Glory' brings gold-centred leaves at 30 to 35 cm. Ligularia 'The Rocket' rises behind at 120 to 180 cm with lemon-yellow spires in July and August. Liriope 'Monroe White' edges the front at 30 to 45 cm with white spikes in August and September.

Plant Care: Plant in part shade in rich soil that stays evenly moist. Mix in compost at planting and mulch to hold moisture. Water during dry spells, because astilbes don't enjoy drought. Leave the plumes standing for winter interest, then cut back in early spring. Divide every three to four years in spring if the clump gets crowded.

History: Astilbe chinensis grows wild in moist woodlands and meadows in China, Korea and eastern Russia. Its garden selections tend to bloom later and cope with brief dry spells a little better than the Arendsii hybrids.

Final Thoughts: Plant a few in the low, wet part of the shade garden. The deer stay home. GLAM SQUAD ON STANDBY.