Astilbe - Maggie Daley

Astilbe Maggie Daley, Astilbe chinensis 'Maggie Daley', displays a profusion of showy spikes of lavender-purple panicles in mid to late summer. The fuzzy flowers are full and packed closely together, resembling a bouquet that sits on top of the shiny, bronze-green foliage. 'Maggie Daley' grows best in rich soil that is consistently moist. Astilbes are long-lived perennials that are most comfortable when grown in rich soil and light shade to filtered sun. They will grow in full shade, but will not bloom as prolifically there. Though they are easy to grow, Astilbes have one critical requirement--lots of water. Plants must have consistently moist soil; dryness leads to a quick demise, especially in the sun. Fertilize Astilbes in late spring before flowering starts. Wait to cut back the old foliage until spring; it will help protect the plant from winter damage.