Found on the grounds of Solel Congregation In Ontario, Canada, astilbe is a plant native to North America and Asia. Astilbe requires moist soil, so it is often found in ravines, pond sides, and woodlands. Astilbes are a popular choice for decoration and flower bouquets- there often used to give more color to gardens.
Identifying Astilbes
- Perennial flowers
- Fern like structure
- Leaves can be red or bronze
- Stems are upright and tall
- Dense airy plumes
- Variations in color and size (no smaller than 1 foot)
Planting Astilbes
Since astilbes are often placed in gardens purposefully, here are ways to ensure your astilbes will grow.
- Astilbes need rich soil that can drain well.
- They should be planted in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
- The soil needs to slightly acidic.
- The soil should be kept moist with compost added occasionally to it.
- The plants should be divided every 4 years.
- It is better to plant divisions rather than seeds.
Varieties of Astilbes
- Dwarf: Sprite, Hennie, Pumila, Visions ( 1.5–2 feet high)
- Medium: Delft Lace, Chocolate Shogun, Bridal Veil, Fanal (2 feet high)
- Large: Purple Candles, Superba (4–5 feet high)
- Astilbe flowers may be found in colors: white, pink, red, violet, and peach
Medicinal Uses
- The roots of the plant are boiled for aromatherapy and consumption for treatment of fever and headache.
- The roots may also be brewed to be used as an anti inflammatory.
- Astilbe aromatherapy is believed to calm and soothe anxieties.
- Astilbe is also given in tea to stop bleeding after childbirth. Astilbe tea is made with the leaves.
Symbolism
- Astilbes carry with them an association with serenity.
- They are also believed to encourage understanding and empathy for others’ emotions.
- Astilbes are also used as a gift to show gratitude, and thankfulness.
- White astilbe flowers represent purity, innocence, and elegance.
- Pink astilbe flowers represent motherly love, romance, affection, and admiration.
- Red astilbe flowers represent passion, desire, strong love, intensity, and vitality.
- Violet astilbes represent calmness, grace, beauty, and refinement.
- Peach astilbes represent friendship, gratitude, and sociability. They are given as gifts to celebrate a close bond.
