Stilbe Rupestris
Contents
Description
Stilbe Rupestris, also known as Rock Spirea, is a perennial plant with delicate pink flowers that bloom in the summer. This shade-loving plant belongs to the Saxifragaceae family and is native to the rocky areas of China and Japan. It can grow up to 1.5 feet tall and spread up to 2 feet wide, making it an ideal plant for borders or ground covers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Stilbe |
Appearance
The Stilbe Rupestris plant has a clumping habit and produces lush green foliage that is fern-like in appearance. The leaves are lance-shaped, serrated, and can grow up to 8 inches long. The pink flowers grow in long, slender spikes that can reach up to a foot in length. The flowers are small, delicate, and have a feathery appearance. They bloom in the summer and attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
Care Guide
Stilbe Rupestris thrives in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist. Regular watering is essential to keep the plant healthy, and it should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and should be protected from extreme heat or cold.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Stilbe Rupestris plant is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Spider mites, aphids, and slugs can damage the foliage and flowers, while powdery mildew and leaf spot can cause discoloration and leaf drop. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap or fungicide can prevent or control these issues.
Habitat
Stilbe Rupestris is native to the rocky areas of China and Japan, where it grows in shaded areas with moist soil. It thrives in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and along streams or ponds.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Stilbe Rupestris?
A: The plant should be watered regularly, and the soil should be kept consistently moist.
Q: Can Stilbe Rupestris tolerate full sun?
A: The plant prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist.
Q: Can Stilbe Rupestris grow in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can grow in containers as long as the soil is kept consistently moist.
Q: When should I fertilize Stilbe Rupestris?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Related Plants
- Stilbe ‘Pink Spike’
- Stilbe ‘Snowmound’
- Stilbe ‘Lollypop’
- Stilbe ‘Alba’
References
- The Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Stilbe Rupestris. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12786/Stilbe-rupestris/Details
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Stilbe Rupestris. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b628
- Gardening Know How. (n.d.). Growing Rock Spirea Plants: Learn About Rock Spirea Care. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rock-spirea/growing-rock-spirea.htm
