Astilbe 'Straussenfeder' Ostrich Plume
Best shade-loving perennial for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, deer-resistant floral interest.
Astilbe 'Straussenfeder' Ostrich Plume is a unique perennial, also known as false spirea or goats beard, celebrated for its gracefully arching pink plumes that resemble ostrich feathers and its larger, lobed foliage. This plant thrives in dappled shade and requires consistently moist, well-drained soil, making it ideal for woodland or waterside plantings. It is low maintenance, tolerant of heavy shade and walnuts, and offers excellent resistance to deer and rabbits. The plumes are beautiful additions to fresh-cut bouquets, and the plant spreads slowly via rhizomes, allowing for division every few years to maintain displays.
$14.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1072
/ 2693
#1072 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-66%
Below average
SKU
27911
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking unique architectural texture and visual movement
- Landscapers needing vibrant color for dark, shaded garden corners
- Homeowners living in areas with high deer and rabbit populations
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners unable to commit to a consistent watering schedule
- People with only sunny, exposed garden beds available
- Impatient gardeners looking for immediate, full-sized landscape impact
Performance breakdown
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in deep shade where most flowering perennials struggle to bloom.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits without requiring chemical intervention.
Visual Impact
Arching pink plumes provide a dramatic, feathery texture to woodland gardens.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal upkeep beyond consistent moisture and occasional rhizome division.
Floral Utility
Sturdy stems make these plumes a sophisticated choice for fresh arrangements.
Establishment Speed
Slow rhizomatous spread ensures controlled growth but requires patience for full coverage.
Key Specs
SKU
27911
Genus
Astilbe
Species
x thunbergii
Item Form
Bareroot
Bloom Color
Pink
Foliage Color
Medium Green
Habit
Mound-shaped
Hardiness Zones
4 - 8
Features
- Features gracefully arching pink plumes resembling ostrich feathers
- Has larger, lobed foliage compared to typical fern-like Astilbe leaves
- Excellent for use in dappled shade or woodland settings
- Tolerates heavy shade conditions
- Plumes are suitable for use as cut flowers in arrangements
- Spreads slowly via rhizomes, allowing for easy division
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the unique, dramatic design of the 'Straussenfeder' Astilbe, noting its impressive height and the striking, feathery plumes that truly live up to the Ostrich Plume name. Reliability is a major theme; once established, reviewers find these plants are robust, thriving even in partial shade and returning reliably year after year, offering excellent long term garden quality.
Know before you buy
This variety thrives in dappled shade or woodland settings. It is notably tolerant of heavy shade, making it a reliable choice for darker corners of the garden where other perennials might struggle.
Astilbe 'Straussenfeder' needs consistently moist, well-drained soil to perform its best. It is an excellent candidate for waterside plantings or areas of the garden that retain moisture.
No, this variety is highly resistant to both deer and rabbits. It is a great option if you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that won't be treated as a snack by local wildlife.
Yes, the arching pink plumes are excellent for fresh-cut bouquets. They provide a unique, feathery texture that holds up well in arrangements.
This Astilbe spreads slowly via rhizomes, which helps it form a nice mound-shaped habit. You can easily divide the plant every few years to maintain its health and propagate new sections for other areas of your garden.
Unlike the typical fern-like foliage found on many Astilbe species, 'Straussenfeder' features larger, distinctively lobed leaves. This provides a more substantial, lush look in the garden even when the plant is not in bloom.
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$15