Comments on: Astilbe simplicifolia ‘Hennie Graafland’

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:28:03 +0000

Gail, I have A. simplicifolia, A. arendsii, and the ‘Europa’ might be A. japonica, but I haven’t grown any chinensis yet. The astilbe would probably appreciate the damper area of your garden. Their extravagant plumes add a little light texture to the shade.

By: Gail

Gail — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:58:33 +0000

It’s a lovely pink and would be a fine addition to this shade garden…if it could take the heat! I’ve heard that A chinensis might tolerate the weather here…have you any? Gail

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:29:31 +0000

Joanne, I find if I keep the Astilbe in at least medium shade, they do fairly well. Some of them have mulch too, which seems to help them keep hydrated. The astilbe and hydrangea flowers are my favourites to leave on for winter interest.

I hope that everything in your garden did well during your absence. After two weeks without daily walkabouts, you would really notice the changes.

By: Joanne Drayson

Joanne Drayson — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:49:57 +0000

Lovely photos of Astilbe I do like them but have to take great care to water during our dry summers. INteresting about the dried flowers and snow.

I have been so busy catching up on the garden since my two weeks away that and Lyme awareness with so much happening I haven’t been blogging for ages but thought I’d wisk through a few old friends.

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:00:28 +0000

The Garden Ms. S, I like the the lacy foliage too. The rest of the plants in this section flowered earlier, so it’s nice to have the astilbe flowers waving in the breeze.

By: The Garden Ms. S

The Garden Ms. S — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:34:07 +0000

What a nice treat at this end of the season – a charming bright spot. I just love the foliage of Astilbes even after blooming.

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:26:16 +0000

Shady Gardener, the Hennie Graafland is the last of my Astilbe to bloom. I have them next to an Aruncus, and the flowers really show up well, against the green background. I might divide them this fall to make a larger group.

By: Shady Gardener

Shady Gardener — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:47:47 +0000

Northern, it is wonderful to be able to enjoy your astilbe flowers. Most of mine quite blooming a long time ago; only one little miniature (‘Pamela’) bloomed until just recently. Aren’t they such a beautiful addition to the shade garden? :-)

By: Northern Shade

Northern Shade — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:43:21 +0000

Rebecca, they do look nice as a little group at the edge of a border. They give a jolt of colour to this garden area that has otherwise quieted down lately.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:22:01 +0000

What a beautiful Astillbe (love the way the word rolls off the tongue!). The lower height is charming, and the pink plumes are delightful. I would absolutely add this specimen to my garden, and will be sure to keep an eye out for it. :)