Astilbe japonica 'Washington'

Astilbe japonica 'Washington' is a variety of Japanese hybrid Astilbe that stands out for its early flowering and pure white colour, particularly bright in the semi-shaded and humid places it prefers. Planted near water features and in the cool areas of the garden, or in a large pot kept well moist, its feathery panicles are extremely decorative, as well as its compound foliage that turns beautiful autumn colours. Lovely in flower beds, its inflorescences are also perfect for fresh or dried bouquets.

The Japanese Astilbe is a hybrid plant from the saxifrage family, originally from Japan as its name suggests. It is a hardy, deciduous, and rhizomatous perennial, with its above-ground vegetation disappearing in winter. 'Washington' is a beautiful selection with white flowers from this hybrid. From spring onwards, the plant develops into a low and compact clump, composed of leaves carried by a hairy petiole, ranging in colour from reddish to brownish. The leaves are finely divided into ovate and sharply toothed leaflets, with a glossy dark green colour. This Astilbe will reach a height of approximately 50-60cm (20-24in) when in flower, and it will spread over 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in). The flowering takes place in June, lasting for about 2 weeks. Clumps of leaves emerge from the upright floral stems, covered with brown hairs at the base, bearing a few small leaves arranged alternately. The very small flowers with prominent stamens, white and shiny in colour, are gathered in dense and branched terminal panicles, measuring approximately 25cm (10in). It is a long-lived plant, suitable for light woodland areas, appreciating very moist, well-drained, and preferably non-calcareous soils.

The Japanese Astilbe 'Washington' can easily be grown in containers if well-watered, as an evaporating plant on a damp bank or near a water feature, in flower beds, borders, or for its cut flowers in fresh or dried bouquets. Plant this perennial in all the cool to moist areas of the garden: in a small hedge, and of course in flower beds, along with hostas, ferns (Athyrium filix-femina), Arums from Ethiopia, Cape Lilies (Schizostylis coccinea), Siberian Irises, and Meadowsweets (Filipendula) or other perennials for moist soils. The more humid the soil in summer, the more the plant will tolerate sunlight.