By Justine – East End Flower Market
For this week’s flower of the week, I would like to introduce you to the beautiful Astilbe. Astilbe meet everyone, everyone meet Astilbe. She is native to mountain valleys and woodlands in Asia, more commonly Japan, Korea and China.
Astilbe is a perennial flower, which means she can live for more than two years as appose to annuals and biennials, which have a shorter life span. This ornate flower has lush flowers atop glossy, fern-like leaves. Like her name, you may think Astilbe is delicate but in fact she is strong and tough. She is easy to grow in the garden if you are a green thumb. She is best suited in a shady space in your garden and she isn’t afraid to show off her colour. Astilbe can be found wearing Pink, Purple, White and Red. She doesn’t mind a bit of water so keep her topped up.
Astilbe is as rare as a cut flower and is usually only found in the garden so we are very lucky she is available to hang out with us this week. While she graces us with her presence here are some care instructions on how to look after her and make her feel welcome;
:: Keep in a cool environment at all times (avoid heating or dry heat).
:: Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem
:: Use sharp scissors to cut 2cm off the bottom of each stem and place into water immediately
:: Always use a flower preservative but if you don’t have one, alternatively you can use a couple drops of bleach (this helps to keep bacteria way)
:: Change water and re cut stems every second day.
:: These flowers are very sensitive to ethylene so keep them away from fruit, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.
:: Remove dying leaves as these will die off before the flowers wilt.
What’s your fave flower at the moment?
Justine x
