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Astilbe: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Astilbe Flowers | The Old Farmer's Almanac

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Astilbe

Astilbe plant with pink feathery plumes of flowers growing in the garden

Photo Credit
J. Kumpinovica/Shutterstock
Botanical Name
Astilbe
Plant Type
Flower
Sun Exposure
Part Sun
Shade
Soil pH
Slightly Acidic to Neutral
Bloom Time
Spring
Summer
Flower Color
Pink
Red
White
Hardiness Zone
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Special Features
Attracts Butterflies
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How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Astilbe

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Astilbe flowers (Astilbe spp.) start blooming in late spring, producing spikes of showy flowers in pinks or whites atop glossy, fernlike foliage. Learn when to plant and how to grow this deer-resistant perennial which adds color and texture to a shady garden.

About Astilbe

Deceptively delicate in appearance, this moisture- and semi-shade-loving perennial is hardy to Zone 4. Depending on the variety, astilbe will provide blooms from late spring to late summer. A few selections are even fall flowering. With proper moisture, the foliage remains attractive throughout its blooming period. They prefer a soil pH of slightly acidic to neutral.

Astilbes are clump-forming perennials that belong to the saxifrage family and arise from a stout rootstock. The upright stems bear fern-like green foliage and feathery plumes extending above the foliage in shades of pink, red, purple or white. The flower clusters vary in size from 6 inches to 2 feet, and the plant height ranges from 6 inches to 5 feet, depending one variety.

They’ll add a splash of color to perennial borders, wet sites, containers, and groundcovers. The plant attracts butterflies and is resistant to rabbits and deer. The showy flowers are excellent for floral cuttings or use in a dried arrangement.

Planting

Astilbes prefer light to moderate shade, but deep shade will result in few and/or poor flowers; full sun will burn the tender foliage. These plants demand moist damp soil but also it must drain well and not puddle, which would ensure their failure. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure (especially in clay types) to increase fertility; astilbe are heavy feeders. Add perlite and coarse sand to improve drainage.

When to Plant Astilbe

  • Astilbe are usually planted in spring or fall as small plants purchased from garden stores.
  • Starting from seed is very difficult for the home gardener; astilbe can be difficult to germinate and resulting plants tend to be short-lived.
  • Division is recommended to create new plants at home. Divide existing astilbe plants in early spring as soon as you see new growth.

How to Plant Astilbe

Plant purchased plants about 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the type. Dig the hole and loosen the soil to about 10 to 12 inches deep. Mix in a handful of compost. Set the crown (where roots and plant connect) just below the soil line. Backfill with soil removed from hole. Water well after planting.

If setting bare-root plants, dig holes that are twice as wide as the plants’ roots and 4 to 6 inches deep. Place the plants so that the roots are fanned slightly and pointing downwards, with the crown planted 1 to 2 inches below the ground level. Cover the roots with soil and press firmly.

Water well and keep consistently moist (not soaked).

Growing
  • Check that astilbes are moist. If rain does not occur, water deeply and regularly. Do not sprinkle frequently. 
  • Astilbes are heavy feeders. Fertilize twice a year. Apply a balanced organic compound in spring and a high nitrogen fertilizer in fall.  (Learn more about soil amendments here.)
  • Astilbes are a bit slow to establish but then spread quickly, forming broad clumps with crowns that rise about the soil as they grow. Cover the crowns with compost-rich soil—or, lift and replant.
  • Divide overgrown clumps every 3 to 4 years in the spring. Either replant the divisions immediately or put them in pots to be planted out in the early summer.
  • After the bloom period, clip off any spent flower stems. The foliage will hold visual appear until fall.
  • After the first frost, the leaves may yellow. Trim them, if desired. Fresh growth will return in spring.
Recommended Varieties

Popular astilbe hybrids include …

  • ‘Fanal’, for its dark green foliage and dark crimson flowers; about 1-1/2 feet tall.
  • ‘Irrlicht’, for its dark green foliage and elegant white flowers; up to 2 feet tall.
  • ‘Venus’, for its bright green foliage and bright pink flowers; up to 3 feet tall.
  • ‘Visions’ has strong stems, green leaves, thick raspberry flowers, and is more drought tolerant.
Harvesting

Cut astilbe flowers and leaves for beautiful arrangements. Vase life is 4 to 12 days. Or, astilbe flowers can be dried. Note: Removing flower heads (deadheading) will NOT promote continued flowering.

Pests/Diseases

Astilbe tends to be rabbit- and deer-resistant
Diseases: bacterial leaf spot, fungal leaf spot, powdery mildew, viruses, Fusarium wilt.
Pests: foliar nematodes, root-knot; tarnished plant bug.

Flowers
Perennials

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Comments

LuEtta Leglerpo (not verified)

2 years 2 months ago

I planted a bare rooted plant several months ago in a pot. How should I winter it? I live in Greeley Colorado

Christine (not verified)

2 years 6 months ago

Similar to the comment on May 7, 2020, I planted my Astibles from bare root last year and am not seeing any green growth yet. Might they lie dormant the first year? Should I keep waiting another year before planting something else?

As soil warms in spring (such as around May, depending on your location), you should see sprouts appear within 1 to 3 weeks. Often, bare root plants may bloom the first year, but will be stronger, more established during the second year. If your plants are showing no signs of growth, it could be that they did not survive over winter—you might, however, wait a month or so just to be sure.

Here are a few problems that can happen during planting:

1) Cold/frost injury: It’s usually recommended that you plant bare root astilbes in spring. In very warm zones, such as Texas or California, the vendor may recommend planting in January/February; middle zones, around March and April; and northern zones, around April or May. This is so that the roots will not be injured by winter cold/spring frosts before the plant becomes established. Fall planting can also be done, with care to protect the crown. Be sure to plant crowns about 1 or 2 inches below the surface.

2) Drying out: Astilbes do not like to dry out. That’s why planting in summer is not recommended. When receiving bare root plants, try to plant them immediately or keep the roots moist. Ideally, a moist, well-drained spot in part to full shade is best. In especially warm climates, deeper shade is recommended, or you’ll need to pay close attention to keeping the soil moist (but not waterlogged).

Hope this helps!

 

 

 

Christine Calcinari (not verified)

2 years 8 months ago

I have had other Astilbe at previous residences, but don't remember their growth habit. These plans were planted from bare root last year, I am not seeing any growth yet, as of today, when do Astilbe typically emerge? It has been an unusually cool Spring, still in the 50's sometimes even cooler at night in New Hampshire. I hope I have not lost them.

Lela T Simonson (not verified)

2 years 8 months ago

I am looking for Astilbe that does not grow taller that 12 inches including the flower. Does this size actually exist in the Astilbe? If so, what is the name? Thank you for your help. Lela