Astilbe 'Avalanche' - False Goat's Beard, Bog Plant

Astilbe 'Avalanche' is a white-flowered astilbe, also called false goat's beard. In midsummer it carries feathery plumes of white flowers above glossy, divided, dark green leaves with toothed edges on red-tinted stems.

'Avalanche' at a glance

Botanical name	Astilbe 'Avalanche'
Common name	False goat's beard
Plant type	Clump-forming perennial; dies back in winter
Height and spread	About 60 cm tall in flower (RHS range 50 cm–1 m), 50–100 cm wide
Flowers	White, in feathery plumes, June and July
Position	Part shade or dappled shade; hot sun can scorch it
Soil	Moist or wet clay or loam that never dries out in summer; any pH
Pond depth	None – damp soil above the water line, not in water
Hardiness	RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C)
Native to	Not UK native (garden variety)

Is Astilbe 'Avalanche' a pond plant?

It is a bog and waterside plant, not a water plant. The RHS suggests planting it beside water in soil that stays moist all summer, as it does not tolerate drought. Plant it in damp soil above the water line, not in the water.

How to plant and care for it

Plant in part or dappled shade, as hot sun can damage it. Keep the soil moist in summer. The dried flower heads can be left on for winter interest. Watch for vine weevil, leaf spot and powdery mildew.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.