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Listen to Paul Parent and David Wilson as they discuss Astilbe ‘Spinell’ on the February 12, 2006 The Paul Parent Garden Club radio show [5:03 minutes]
Astilbes, or False Spireas as they are commonly called, are marvelous, easy to grow garden plants — and this outstanding variety is without doubt one of the very best!
Reaching to about 2½ feet, the fiery-red, feathery flower plumes are a wonderful sight. They are produced in abundance, nice and sturdy, never need to be supported, and make an incredible impact - especially when massed in bold groupings. They last in flower for several weeks and are excellent as cut flowers. Even when they are past bloom, the remaining deep russet stems give a decorative flourish to the late summer and autumn landscape.
This variety is nice and vigorous, yet compact and bushy. The lacy foliage is pretty, even when the plants are not in bloom. In spring, the new growth sports rich mahogany tints, forming a perfect base to display the developing flower spikes. As the season advances, the leaves take on a bronzed tone that remains appealing throughout the growing season.
All they need is a soil that remains reasonably moist during the summer and ideally a place that is in partial shade. They will tolerate sunny conditions providing there is sufficient moisture present for their roots. Avoid hot, dry, gravely places with thin topsoil layers. They will also do well in deeper shade, so long as they get a least a little bit of sunlight at some point during the day. Because they succeed best in moist soils, I try to mulch the beds each spring. This helps to trap moisture and keeps the soil temperatures cooler during dry summer periods.
Spinell, like most of the other astilbes, is very hardy (Zone 4) and easy to care for. Just follow the cultural notes on the tags and on our website and you'll be fine. Besides the glorious flowers and the nice-looking foliage, one of the really great things about Astilbes is that they are seldom bothered by any pests and diseases. Even deer, in my experience, don't dine on them – which can be a major plus when gardening in woodland surroundings.
They are magnificent in beds and borders, great for catching the eye, and providing a focal point. I have seen them used in curved beds and alongside grassy paths where the sweeps of color lead the visitor and entices the eye around corners and up over meandering undulations.
The thick canopy of foliage helps to smoother out weed seedlings. They make a very effective ground cover. When massed in woodland settings the effect can be near idyllic, as well as labor saving.
A favorite spot for them is close to water features, statuary and fountains. The stately plumes just look so natural. The feathery structure softens and breaks up hard architectural lines around pools and ponds. I have them lining my stream. I love it when the radiant color reflects and shimmers on the water surface. An early morning stroll, when the colors are fresh and vivid, can be breathtaking.
It is not surprising that astilbes are very popular and widely enjoyed all over the temperate world. There are hundreds of cultivars. Many of these were developed in France, England and Holland. But foremost in the development of exceptional selections was the German nurseryman Georg (George) Adalbert Arends (1863 - 1952). In 1888, Arends established his "Art and Trading Nursery" in Wuppertal-Ronsdorf and began breeding hardy plants. He worked on roses, monkshood and various other genera. But he is most famous for his pioneering work on astilbes.
In the early 1900's he began to develop a range of hybrids that were so impressive that they became known as Astilbe x arendsii. During the next 40-50 years he introduced over 70 separate cultivars in various colors, from shades of white through pink, and purple. They had large, well-formed panicles, grew 2 - 4' tall, and were a considerable improvement over existing varieties. These proved so good, so reliable, that today, almost 100 years later, some of them still rank as being amongst the best in our acclaimed Garden Splendor® selection. How's that for standing the test of time?
In 1933, Arends introduced a completely new color breakthrough — a red flowered variety with bronze young foliage. Astilbe ‘Fanal’ was the first true bright red Astilbe. It took the gardening world by storm.
In 1955, three years after his death, his best variety was introduced: Astilbe ‘Spinell’, named after the precious gemstone. Spinell comes in a rainbow of beautiful colors: pinks, lavenders, blues and other shades. But the most sought after ones are a rich red color. This became the perfect name for this exceptional Garden Gem.
We invite you to come in soon to see why we are so captivated by this enchanting beauty, and why Garden Splendor® plants are Plants Worth Remembering®.
Until next time, remember.... Enjoy your gardening. It's good for you!
