Astilbe arendsii Cattleya

Astilbe arendsii 'Cattleya' is adorned with a late summer flowering, in long romantic lilac-pink panicles. These panicles with very soft and fresh colours stand out well from the vigorous and abundant leaves which are deeply lobed and quite decorative. This perennial for moist soil adorns the edges of water features and moist areas of the garden. It also performs very well in large pots if kept watered. Its feathery inflorescences remain very attractive in dried bouquets. The foliage sometimes takes on beautiful hues in autumn.

The Genus Astilbe belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. The 'Cattleya' variety is a rhizomatous and stoloniferous perennial, with a tufted and bushy habit. This very vigorous variety will reach a height of at least 1.20 m (4ft) when in flower, spreading over 80 cm (32in) to 1 m (3ft). It is a long-lived perennial, with deciduous foliage composed of toothed, medium green leaflets which are particularly attractive with its feathery appearance. Flowering takes place from June to August, in the form of large feathery panicles measuring 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) in length composed of tiny flowers that open a deep pink, fading to pink with mauve undertones at maturity.

Astilbes are essential perennials for compact, heavy, moist, and marshy soils. They are very cold-resistant, long-lived and disease-resistant. In addition to their flowers, the divided foliage is often decorative, although it disappears in winter. 'Cattleya' Astilbe can easily be grown in pots, flower beds, borders, or used as cut flowers for drying. It also thrives in shade or in a hedge. Combine them with Hostas, Ferns, Arums, or Goat's Beard, for example. These plants can be forced in a greenhouse to achieve early flowering.

The hybrid Astilbe arendsii was created by cross-breeding between A. chinensis, A. astilboides, A. japonica, and A. thunbergii. They present less risk of allergies than other varieties.