Astilbe plant with pink feathery plumes of flowers growing in the garden
Planting, Growing, and Caring for Astilbes
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Planting
Where to Plant Astilbe
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 they must also 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 is a heavy feeder. Add perlite and coarse sand to improve drainage.
When to Plant Astilbe
- Astilbe is usually planted as small plants purchased from garden stores in spring or fall.
- 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 as soon as you see new growth in early spring.
Photo: znmysteryPhoto
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 the soil removed from the hole. Water well after planting.
If setting bare-root plants, dig holes twice as wide as the plants’ roots and 4 to 6 inches deep. Place the plants so 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).
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.
Catherine Boeckmann
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Depending on general soil conditions, there can be a fine line between slightly acidic and alkaline—and “expert” sources provide differing information and many do not even address the matter. Here’s Cornell University’s page ( a generally reliable source) on hybrid astilbe > http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene4f95.html and here’s their page on the Chinese astilbe > http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scenecea9.html . Here’s yet another (different source): http://hvp.osu.edu/pocketgardener/source/description/astilbe.html
A pH chart from Sonoma.edu cites “many species” of Astilbe and gives them a 6.0 to 8.0 pH range. Six is on the edge of acidic and 8 and running sweet, or alkaline.: https://www.sonoma.edu/users/s/shawth/pH%20Preferences
Here is one more, from the University of Minnesota coop extension that puts astilbe on its “Alkaline Soil” page, with a note (on the right) that “This list includes some of the best plants for soils with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0.” …some of the best plants…
We are not singling out these sites out for criticism, only citing them to explain the challenge, with this plant in particular. Thanks for asking.
you say that astilbes like slightly below average moisture, but regularly check to see they are moist. A bit confusing.
Sorry for any confusion. The idea is to hold back on water to prevent them from having “wet feet” but to make sure they don’t completely dry out. A nice even moisture temperature is best—not too wet, not too dry. (When planted in the sun, without adequate water, they are susceptible to burning.)
I purchased 2 astilbe plants this summer and they appear to be dead. Leaves and flowers are all brown. I was hoping to move them to a different area of my garden where I am hoping they will do better. Should I cut them back or just replant them as they are without cutting them back. Thank you for your help.
Hi Ann Marie,
If the foliage was still healthy, it would be best to leave it on when transplanting. But because it is dead and no longer photosynthesizing, you can cut it back. Once you dig them, you should be able to tell by the roots if they are still viable plants.
I have a large Astilbe in a wooden container & one day of very hot sunshine, the front leaves are all withered, please advise me what to do to save it. Would it grow better in the ground. Many thanks
My blooms have bloomed and are now Brown. Do I cut these off? Will they bloom all summer?
I just got a astilbe plant from one of my friends two weeks ago. As soon as I got it I planted it and watered it two times a day some times more and it looks dead. I have not pulled it up yet but, this it the first time I had an astilbe so I don't know if I should treat it different or get a new one.
These are classified as “moderately difficult” plants in some circles. Astilbes like water, and it appears you have been giving it enough. But too much? Is it draining? Draining is critical, and a too-small container, or poor soil, may be leaving the roots in a puddle.
Astilbes like direct (but not blazing) sun with all that water but prefer shade and a bit less water in that environment. Is your plant indoors or outdoors? Does any of this sound familiar?
Here’s another thing: they prefer a slightly alkaline (high) pH soil. Do you have any idea of your soil pH? Amd is it rich with organic matter? Potting soil is probably too “thin” by itself. Peat, compost, and organic matter are essential.
Are you beginning to see how it earned its ranking? Another thing: is your container large? or is it a tight-ish fit? If you start again, consider a large-ish container in some sunlight with lots of good soil.
We really hope this helps. Astilbes are beautiful but a tad finicky.
I just purchased Astilbe seeds and am wondering how long it will be from the time of planting till I actually see flowers? Thank you!
