Astilbe simplicifolia Hennie Graafland

The Astilbe simplicifolia 'Hennie Graafland' is a variety not widely cultivated, despite its ornamental qualities. In late spring, this pretty perennial brightens up semi-shaded beds where its feathery blooms emerge in a delicate light pink shade. With a compact growth, this astilbe also displays a lovely shiny foliage in a dark green, very nicely textured, decorative even outside of the flowering period. Like other astilbes, the plant thrives in fertile soils that stay fresh in summer, including in marshy and waterlogged soils.

The Astilbe simplicifolia belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. This wild species is native to Japan, particularly from the island of Honshu, as well as the extreme south of the island of Kyushu. It is a very hardy (-20°C) perennial and rhizomatous plant, preferring damp locations and non-calcareous soils. Its deciduous vegetation disappears in winter and re-emerges in spring. The hybrid cultivar 'Hennie Graafland' has been selected for its lovely pastel pink blooms, unlike the white blooms of the species. This variety resembles 'Sprite', with slightly lighter foliage, pinker flowers, and slightly taller growth. The astilbes simplicifolia are a bit slower to establish than the more common arendsii.

In spring, the 'Hennie Graafland' astilbe develops into a clump measuring 30-35 cm in all directions, composed of strongly lobed and undivided leaves. This shiny foliage has a superb dark green colour. Flowering takes place in June. From the leaf clump emerge stiff floral stems in a brown-purple colour measuring about 45 cm in height. They bear open and slightly drooping panicles, 15 cm tall, made up of numerous tiny star-shaped flowers in a pale pink with pearly reflections. After pollination, the flowers give way to very decorative rust-coloured seeds.

This perennial is essential for compact, heavy, damp, and waterlogged soils. The Astilbe Hennie Graafland is a robust plant very resistant to diseases, which will live for many years in the same spot. Plant it at the edge of a pond or on the edge of a cool woodland, for example alongside Hostas, Hakonechloas, Lysimachias, Carex. In a sunnier exposure, but still in moist to wet soil, consider pairing it with Persicarias, Monardas, Penstemons, tall phlox... You can also combine it with other astilbes with white, pink or red flowers to create superb pastel beds in damp areas. Its cut flowers allow for beautiful bouquets, with roses and lilies for example, but also very interesting dry arrangements with grasses or statice.