Astilbe thunbergii 'Straussenfeder'

Astilbe thunbergii 'Straussenfeder', known as ostrich plume in German, is a mid-early flowering hybrid. Its trailing flower stems give it a distinctive silhouette. From July, its salmon-pink flowers gathered in panicles with fine, trailing branches illuminate the edges of water features and shady areas where it is planted. On the terrace, it does well in a large pot kept cool. Its feathery panicles remain very attractive as cut flowers or in dried bouquets. The foliage takes on lovely shades in autumn.

Astilbe thunbergii 'Straussenfeder' is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial of tall stature, with flexible, airy clumps of deciduous compound foliage with toothed leaflets, dark green and covered in brown hairs. It will reach a height of 1m (3ft) when in flower, spreading to 80cm (32in) to 1 metre (3 feet). A long-lived plant, it belongs to the saxifrage family. It is one of the many hybrids whose type species is native to the Japanese archipelago.

Plant Astilbe thunbergii 'Ostrich Plume' or 'Straussenfeder' in moist to wet, rich, neutral to acidic soil. This hybrid does not tolerate water shortage. The plant adapts well to clay soils, if they are healthy and well amended. Note that Astilbes do not tolerate being flooded in winter. Install the Ostrich Plume Astilbe in partial shade or in a sunny but not scorching position: in nature, these plants grow in damp woodland. Daily watering will be necessary in hot summers.

Chinese Astilbe can easily be grown in containers, as a moisture-loving plant, in flower beds, as edging, as cut flowers, and dried flowers. In woodland, as a low hedge, and of course in borders. Combine them with Hostas, Ferns (Athyrium filix-femina), Arums, Cape Lilies (Schizostylis coccinea), and Meadowsweets (Filipendula) or other waterside perennials.