Solved Small plant with delicate flowers

What is this? I picked it up somewhere last year and don't know where to put it. It was on the terrace last week while I was away and dried out badly. I need to get it in soon so need to know what it is and where it would like to go ...

 

Possibly Astilbe?

 

Yes astilbe Berberis Artista

It hates drying out, wont like being in a pot unless drenched with water regularly and needs to be in the ground. Plant in good moist soil in semi shade.

Meanwhile, soak your plant

 

It will look lovely when it is settled in the garden. I love astilbe. @Verdun, you suggested astilbe in a part shady bed under my apple tree, so I put one in last autumn. It seems very happy there, and because it is such low maintenance I would like to put in another couple, as it is hard to reach and the astilbe there already is quite happy with little care. How far apart would you recommend I space them? The ones I have been eyeing up are general garden centre size, but I have no idea what pot size that is, sorry.

 

Hiya Irmemac, well they can get quite large in time.....I have clumps here more than a metre and a half across....so give them 3 things: space so at least a metre apart (you can move them or divide them quite easily); Good moist soil.....astilbes love moisture. Dig in lots of organic matter and mulch with the same; some shade .....the more sunny the spot the more moisture the plant needs.
Usually in a garden centre plants are in about 3 or 5 litre pots. Loosen roots and soak before planting
They are all great, at least the named varieties are, but check out something a bit different; Astilbe Shogun has acer like burgundy foliage and Cappuccino has white flowers on dark foliage. I will post some pics later
For a nice combination a hosta or an astrantia or an anemone Wild Swan will enhance your astilbes

 

Great advice, thank you @Verdun. The spot you suggested them for is ideal then - partly shade, plenty of moisture and every year a fresh dose of fallen leaves to break down. No wonder mine is happy there! I'm good at overcrowding plants, so I will only be able to fit in one more in that area - would never have left enough room, so thank you! Will get busy looking up the others you have suggested, and also the companion plants.... although they will have to be slug and snail resistant!

Apologies to original poster for hijacking your thread. Sorry. Hopefully you will also find the additional information as useful as I have!

 

Yes, Irmemac, astrantias and the anemomes are usually slug free.......

 

Thanks. I have a spot in a planter that is in the shade of my lovage that I think would do it ideally. Out of the sun and well drained. Cheers!