Mary S. Thomas
Family
Saxifragaceae
Botanical Name
ASTILBE 'Rock and Roll' PP14855
Plant Common Name
Rock and Roll Astilbe
General Description
This astilbe, ‘Rock and Roll’ is a herbaceous perennial grown for its tolerance of shade, dependable bloom, spikes of flowers, and dark, dense ferny foliage. The spikes have a branching habit, a bit like a Christmas tree. Tiny, closely packed flowers clothe the spikes, transforming them into soft, billowing plumes. One plant may produce several, making a cloud of bloom above the leaves. A member of the Music Series, ‘Rock and Roll’ blooms with white flowers in mid through late summer. Deadhead the plant after the first flush of flowers; you may be rewarded with a second bloom in autumn.
Astilbes prefer partial shade and fertile, well-drained, moist soil. Plant ‘Rock and Roll’with other members of the Music Series such as 'Jump and Jive' and 'Drums and Bass' in a shady, woodland border. Like most astilbes it also is a good companion for hostas and ferns.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
12"-24" / 30.5cm - 61.0cm (20)
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Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm (20)
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Edging, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No