Plant of the Weekend: PURPURLANZE ASTILBE
Piet Oudolf designed the plantings here at Lurie Garden with the architectural element of each plant in mind. Buttons, umbels, spires, globes, and plumes are just some of the shapes you will find at Lurie carefully chosen to provide interest in relation to the the perennials in each combination. Purpurlanze astilbe (Astilbe chinensis var. tarquetii ‘Purpurlanze’) was chosen for its showy, upright plumes. In July, each tight, neatly vertical inflorescence opens up like a feather duster freed from its casing. The light pink and mauve colors attract the attention of visitors, who reach out to touch the cushy blooms. The texture of each plume is reminiscent of old, hand-tufted chenille pillows. Its scent when in full bloom is dusty with pleasing floral notes, evoking memories of opening an antique attic trunk filled with of the accoutrements of some long ago special occasion. The 2.5 ft plumes fade to a rich brown color and provide winter interest to the garden. The dark green, ternately lobed leaves are attractive and function almost as a ground cover. This plant thrives in zone 4-8 and spread by rhizomes. Purpurlanze astilbe should be divided about every 4 years to assure the maximum number of blooms.
George Arends of Ronsdorf, Germany introduced over 70 astilbe cultivars from 1900 to 1950, many of which are in the market today. Purpurlanze astilibe belongs in the Arendsii group of astilbes. Cultivars of Astilbe chinensis tend to be more drought tolerant than other astilbes, which is why we grow one here at Lurie where we focus on low maintenance plants. Many visitors wonder how it is that we have an astilbe in full sun in a garden that gets watered so seldom. Each location scattered throughout the Light and Dark Plates of the garden where Purpurlanze astilbe is planted is carefully chosen. It is a lower spot in the topography of its site and is usually next to a tall grass where it gets some shade. In nature, astilbes grow along stream banks in part-shade, so they tend to require additional watering. Fortunately this variety is a little more drought tolerant, but it is still important to carefully choose your perennial combinations to assure they are good companions. Unlocking the secrets of perennial placement in your garden site over time is the best way to really understand your plants.
|
|
