Astilbe Rock and Roll

Astilbe 'Rock and Roll' is a mid-early flowering hybrid. From July, its long white plumes on red stems illuminate the surroundings of water features, shady gardens, wet areas of the garden, or a large container kept moist on the terrace. Its feathery panicles remain very attractive as cut flowers or in dried bouquets. The foliage takes on beautiful hues in autumn.

The 'Rock and Roll' Astilbe is a rhizomatous perennial plant, which has an upright habit with deciduous, compound foliage with dark green toothed leaflets. It will reach a height of 60 cm (24in) when in flower, spreading over 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28in). A long-lived plant belonging to the saxifrage family. It is one of the many hybrids created in Germany by Georg Arends, obtained from four species originating in the Far East (A. astilboides, A. davidii, A. japonica, A. thunbergii).

Plant Astilbe ardensii in moist to damp, rich, neutral to acidic soil. This hybrid does not tolerate a lack of water. The plant adapts well to clay soils if they are healthy and fertile. Note that Astilbes do not tolerate being flooded in winter. Plant Astilbe arendsii in partial shade or in a non-scorching sunny position: in nature, these plants grow in moist undergrowth. Daily watering will be necessary in hot summers.

Astilbe arendsii can easily be grown in containers, as a bog plant, in borders or for cut flowers and dried flowers. In understory areas, to create a screen as a hedge, and in flower beds. Combine with Hostas, Ferns (Athyrium filix-femina), Arums, Cape lilies (Schizostylis coccinea), and Meadowsweet (Filipendula) or other riverside perennials.

Arends hybrids present less risk of allergies than other Astilbes. In Asia, dried leaves are sometimes used as a substitute for tea and the young stems are cooked and eaten.