False buck's beard - Astilbe japonica (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

False buck's beard

Also known as: Japanese astilbe

The false buck's beard can reach heights of 50 to 90 cm. The plant forms a rhizome, and its fern-like foliage remains attractive all year long. The false buck's beard is attractive to butterflies, while being deer and rabbit resistant. The blooms are often used in fresh-cut bouquets or in dried arrangements.

Scientific classification

Species

False buck's beard (Astilbe japonica)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Mid summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

61 cm to 76 cm

Plant Height

45 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green, Red, Brown, Bronze

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

White, Pink, Purple, Red

Flower Color

Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of False buck's beard

Distribution of False buck's beard

Distribution Map

False buck's beard is native to Japan and has been introduced to New York State in the United States. It thrives in shady ecosystems with moist soil. In its native environment, it grows in mountain ravines and woodlands.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Terrestrial

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

The feathery-looking flowers of false buck's beard bring colorful interest in group plantings, especially when used as pond borders. They are also lovely when established in cottage gardens with lower ground cover. Planting different cultivars, ranging from white to deep pink, will provide constant blooms throughout the spring and summer seasons. It combines well with colorful Rhododendron or ground-covering Hosta.

Symbolism

Patience

Name Story

False buck's beard: Astilbe japonica is praised for its attractive foliage and plume-like inflorescence in the summer which turns into dried seed heads afterward. As the feather-shaped inflorescence looks similar to a buck's beard. It is often called False buck's beard.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of False buck's beard, including the following common varieties :

False goat's beard 'Younique Salmon'Astilbe × arendsii 'Snowdrift’Astilbe arendsii 'Rheinland’False goat's beard 'Country and Western'False goat's beard 'Younique Carmine'False goat's beard 'Diamond'False goat's beard 'Deutschland'False buck's beard 'Montgomery'False goat's beard 'Granat'False goat's beard 'Hyacinth'False goat's beard 'Brautschleier'False goat's beard 'Red Sentinel'

Quickly Identify False buck's beard

Compact, clump-forming growth habit

Fern-like foliage creating lush mounds

Feathery flowers in pink, red, or white hues

Flower stalks reaching 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm)

Airy and elegant flower plumes, 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) tall

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Care Guide for False buck's beard

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: False buck's beard originates from Asia's moist environments, requiring consistently damp soil for growth. It prefers steady moisture and is moderately drought-tolerant. Watering should occur every 1-2 weeks. Typically grown outdoors, false buck's beard thrives with natural rainfall, promoting lush foliage and vibrant flowers.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, false buck's beard needs balanced fertilizers; switch to high phosphorus during blooming. Fertilize bi-monthly in spring and summer, reducing in fall. Apply at the base to prevent root burn and follow product instructions to ensure robust blooms.

Pruning: False buck's beard features fern-like foliage and plume-like flowers. Prune in early to late spring to maintain shape and stimulate growth. Remove dead stems and spent flowers for better air circulation. Thinning dense clusters promotes health, enhances appearance, and extends the plant's lifecycle.

Propagation: Propagate false buck's beard by division, ensuring each section has roots and shoots. Handle delicately to prevent damage, then replant in well-draining, moisture-retentive soil. This method encourages new growth and alleviates overcrowding, benefiting both new and existing plants.

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Images of False buck's beard

Distribution of False buck's beard

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify False buck's beard

Care Guide for False buck's beard

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