Astilbe x arendsii

‘Bunter Zauber’

BUNTER’S ASTILBES

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Bunter Zauber’
BUNTER’S ASTILBES

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Bunter Zauber’ is a seed mixture of rich jewel-like colours, displayed on particularly large, fuzzy branching flowers.

Mix of jewel colours

The ‘Bunter Zauber’ mix has blooms of violet, ruby, reds, pinks, and white – with a jewel like intensity of colour.

Particularly large fuzzy branches of flowers

The flowers on these ‘Bunter Zauber’ hybrids are also impressively larger than most other Astilbe varieties, with a wonderfully fuzzy texture.
Just like the fluff on Bumblebees.
And the Bumblebee fluffy flowers come on such tall, upright stems.

Finest quality foliage

All astilbes are valued for their pretty foliage. And Bunter’s Astilbes do not disappoint.
Plants produce dense clumps of finely divided attractive leaves, which remain deep green all summer, and set off the rich gem flower colours perfectly.
Before the foliage goes butter yellow in autumn.

Exceptional flower production

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Bunter Zauber’ hybrids are brilliant flower producers.
Making a great show with their large, branching flower heads through early and mid-summer.

Excellent cut flowers

All Astilbes have commercial quality cut flowers, but Astilbe x arendsii ‘Bunter Zauber’ hybrids are a cut above the rest with their larger, showy heads of bloom and taller stems.

Rabbit & Deer resistant

Happily for gardeners, rabbits and deer are not impressed with the flavour of Astilbe and usually leave them well alone.

Glowing colour in Dappled Shade

All Astilbes enjoy shaded conditions, and Astilbe x arendsii ‘Bunter Zauber’ positively glows in conditions of Dappled Light and Shade.
And all Astilbes enjoy regular water and plenty of compost.
(Scroll down to “Growing” section below for plant details & how / where to grow).

SEED SOWING ADVICE:

Indoors for early quick plants: First sow the seed in a punnet on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then gently press the seeds onto the surface of the mix, to ensure good contact.

Now barely cover the seed, because light is needed for germination of this plant.
And you can use sieved mix, or fine grit, or vermiculite, or washed sand to sprinkle over the seeds.

Then stand the sown punnet in a shallow water bath.
So the moisture percolates up through the mix from the bottom to thoroughly moisten the mix throughout.
Soak for a short time until moisture appears on the surface of the mix, and then remove and drain.
Because the mix needs to be moist throughout, but not wet.

Now place the moist punnet in a warm, well-lit position (not in any direct sun).

Temperatures of 15-20°C approx. are best for rapid and optimum germination.
You can use a temperature-controlled heat mat if you have one to encourage rapid germination, but it is not essential. A window-sill or well-lit corner is also fine.

Adding a clear plastic cover helps to retain moisture in the punnet.
And continue to keep the punnet moist by spraying the surface of the mix a fine spray water bottle, or re-soaking in the water bath, as required.
(If the punnet is light weight when you pick it up – the mix is drying out and needs another soak from below in the water bath).

Seedlings begin to emerge in approx. 30 days.

A “pretend winter” helps

However if the seeds are shy to germinate and have not appeared in 60 days, then the seeds need a period of chilling to break their natural dormancy. This dormancy is normal for plants from areas with cold winters.

So wrap the moist, sown punnet in cling-wrap, place in the fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks (this mimics winter).
Then remove, unwrap, moisten, and return to a well-lit place for germination.

Seed Count: 200 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

GROWING: Astilbe x arendsii ‘Bunter Zauber’ 

Height with flowers: Upright, densely packed spears to approx. 80cm. in summer.
Width: Forms a clump of finely divided foliage to a diameter of approx. 60cm.
Position: Astilbe x arendsii ‘Bunter Zauber’ hybrids prefer partial shade and woodland conditions with dappled light, to full shade.
Soil: Astilbes will give of their best in loam. They love fertilizer and compost, and can happily have their feet in the water if necessary. They enjoy retentive soil, including clay based soils, with regular drinks.

Hardy & easy in the right spot

Frost: Astilbe are extremely frost hardy. So they are able to withstand frost to well below -20C.
Care: Astilbes are easy, low care plants, if they are given their preferred conditions. Then the only work required is to trim off spent flower stems to encourage a repeat of autumn blooms.
And finally to chop them to the ground at the end of autumn.
Deer & Rabbit resistant: I would be heartbroken if marauding critters chewed off my gorgeous Astilbes. But fortunately these lovely things are not particularly attractive to rabbits, deer, slugs or snails.

Long season of colour and interest

Growth: Deciduous hardy perennial.
With wonderful bright flame-butter yellow autumn foliage. So the plant is dormant over winter, before re-emerging with marvellous new spring foliage. Then flowering again in the early summer. So they have a very long season of interest in the garden.
Bees & Birds: Butterflies are particularly attracted to the myriad of tiny nectar rich blossoms that make up the feathery Astilbe plumes.

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