Astilbe simplicifolia Key West - False Spirea

Astilbe simplicifolia Key West is a variety of astilbe that stands out for its superb, finely cut foliage, glossy, red to bronze on red stems, then turning dark green. Its summer flowering in feathery pink panicles blends perfectly with this foliage on a small-sized plant. This joyful flowering, which appears in July, remains decorative for a long time, both in the garden and in bouquets. Astilbes are beautiful perennials, easy to combine in flowerbeds. They quickly establish an elegant and refined atmosphere in soils that stay cool, sheltered from the intense rays of the sun.

The natural species, Astilbe simplicifolia, is native to Japan and belongs to the botanical family of Saxifragaceae. It is a deciduous, herbaceous perennial plant with a rhizomatous root, which rests underground in winter and regrows its aerial vegetation in spring. The Key West variety was selected for the fabulous colour of its foliage, beautifully matched with its flowers, which are a magnificent pink, much richer than the pale pink observed in its wild ancestor. This plant quickly forms a tight clump 40 cm (16in) tall, composed of leafy stems. Its foliage is light, made of finely cut leaves, with young shoots that are red, then bronze, and finally glossy dark green. 'Key West' is a variety whose tiny flowers are gathered in branched panicles, with a feathery appearance, measuring 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20in) long and retaining a beautiful pink-purple colour for a long time before turning brown in winter. The flowering period extends from late June to early August, with inflorescences forming over a period of 3 to 4 weeks.

Astilbe Key West thrives in rich, deep and consistently moist soils, preferably acidic, in semi-shaded locations. These are conditions that it finds near water sources or in particularly humid areas of the garden. It can tolerate sunny positions only if the soil is well-moistened. Astilbes are perfectly hardy perennials and bring grace to shaded corners; also consider them for marshy areas where the soil is too heavy, compact and wet, they will not disappoint you! They pair well with hostas, ferns, meadowsweets (Filipendula), goat's beards (Aruncus) and other perennials of damp woodlands. It is possible to force an astilbe by potting the plant in a mixture of garden soil and ericaceous soil at the first frost. After a month, gradually increase the temperature while frequently spraying the foliage.