Astilbe SHORT N' SWEET 'SUGARBERRY' astilbe

Sugarberry is a new astilbe from 2010, bred by a Dutch breeder Jan Verschoor. Astilbe is sometimes wrongly called false spiraea which is a name for sorbaria, however, this variety’s flowers do resemble spiraea x billiardii. They are soft pink, plume-like and fluffy, yet compact and dense unlike some Japanese astilbes with loose panicles of flowers. Stems are thin, only 20-30 cm tall. Fern-like divided leaves are rich green, glossy, and have red stalks.

Grow astilbe in humus-rich soil. If planted in boggy or regularly watered bed they can sit in full sun, too, otherwise choose a semi-shaded or shaded location. They are water loving plants and require a good dose of nutrients to look their best. They will not grow in chalky or clay soil that dries out in summer.

For best results divide the clumps every 3-4 years removing old and dead rhizomes in early spring. Also in the spring remove old leaves and last year’s flowers. If grown in poor soil you may need to cut back the entire plant after flowering to get rid of spent stems and tired foliage in order to encourage growth of new leaves. A dose of a liquid fertilizer is recommended. It is fully hardy to min. -30°C (USDA zone 5) and is supposed to take a few degrees lower.

Last update 14-01-2014