How to Grow and Care for Astilbe

Astilbes (Astilbe spp.) are one of the easiest perennial flowers to grow. They have long-blooming, plume-like flowers in soft shades of white, pink, purple, and red, and the flowers are held on tall, stiff stalks above the airy foliage. Virtually pest-free and very low maintenance, they can light up the shade garden or soften a sunny spot.

You can plant astilbe in either spring or fall but avoid planting in the hottest part of summer. If you must plant then, keep the plant well watereduntil new growth emerges. These are relatively slow-growing plants, but once established will bloom for many years before needing division.

Common Name	Astilbe, false spirea, false goat's beard
Botanical Name	Astilbe spp.
Family	Saxifragaceae
Plant Type	Perennial, rhizome
Mature Size	6-24 in. tall, 6-60 in. wide
Sun Exposure	Partial, full
Soil Type	Loamy, moist
Soil pH	Acidic, neutral
Bloom Time	Spring, summer
Flower Color	Pink, red, purple, white
Hardiness Zones	3-8 (USDA)
Native Area	Asia, North America

Astilbe Care

Astilbe is valued for great long-lasting color in part shade borders, where tall colorful flowers are few. In addition, the lacy foliage of astilbe provides a nice textural contrast to plants with large, broad leaves such as heuchera, hosta, and Ligularia. It can also be grown in containers.

In hot, dry climates, they need to be planted in the shade and/or given plenty of water.

Different varieties will bloom anywhere from mid-spring to late summer. If you plant different types of astilbe, you can prolong the bloom almost all season. The plumes remain in flower for several weeks and continue to look good as they fade and dry on the plant. No deadheading is needed since they will not bloom again.

Light

Astilbe plants grow best in part shade but can also grow in full sun or full shade. Astilbe will bloom in full shade, but the plants prefer some sunlight to achieve their full size. In hot weather and dry soils, the foliage will burn in full sun; here, some relief from the afternoon sun is mandatory.

Soil

Astilbe plants prefer fairly rich, moist soil, with a slightly acidic soil pH of around 6.0.

Water

The warmer the weather, the more moisture astilbe plants need, especially when situated in full sun. They do not handle prolonged periods of drought well; the leaves will brown and dry, and if left dry too long, the plants will die. In the absence of rain, water astilbe weekly and deeply at the base, avoiding overhead watering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Temperature and Humidity

Astilbe plants are tough and hardy plants that can survive winter, even in harsh climates. After the first hard frost, put down 2 inches of mulch around the stem to protect the roots.

Astilbe can grow in a moderately humid climate but in humid weather conditions, it can develop powdery mildew.

Fertilizer

Astilbe plants need phosphorus to bloom, so choose a fertilizer with the makeup of 5-10-5 or 10-10-10. Rake the fertilizer into the soil two weeks before you plant, or sprinkle a few granules onto the soil after the astilbe has been planted. Once the plant is established, fertilize every spring when the soil is moist. Apply the fertilizer on the soil and avoid getting any on the leaves, especially when they are wet, as the fertilizer will stick to them.

Types of Astilbe

There are new varieties introduced every year and recently, newer breeds with darker foliage. Some established standards include:

• Astilbe x arendsii 'Bridal Veil': Mid- to late-season bloomer with full white plumes
• A. x arendsii 'Fanal':Blooms early with blood-red flowers on bronze foliage
• A. x arendsii 'Rheinland': Another early bloomer in a rich pink; very hardy
• A. chinensis taquetii'Purple Candles': Deep purple, chenille-like plumes
• A. chinensis 'Visions in Red': Compact plant with bronze foliage and deep red flowers

Pruning

Little maintenance is required of astilbe plants. The flower heads will dry on the plant and remain attractive for many months. The flowers can be cut whenever they start to look ragged, or left up for winter interest and cut back in the spring.

Propagating Astilbe

Divide astilbe plants every four to five years to keep the plants healthy. In ideal conditions, astilbe plants can grow quickly and require more frequent division. Astilbe seed is available, but it can be difficult to germinate. It's easiest to start with a plant or division. Even a small plant will quickly fill out and perform well in its first year.

1. Dig up the root ball in early spring and divide it into several equal-sized pieces with a spade,
2. Replant at the same soil level. Water well immediately after planting the pieces.
3. Keep the plants well-watered after replanting and they will reestablish themselves quickly.
   

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Astilbes are virtually trouble-free, bothered by few diseases or insects. The tender, new growth may be nibbled on by groundhogs or rabbits, but once the plants have filled out, they typically don't suffer any long-term damage.

From: thespruce