Astilbe plant with pink feathery plumes of flowers growing in the garden
Your guide to planting, growing, and caring for shade-loving perennials that brighten up any garden
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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).
Types
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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My astilbe were pink first couple years but have now changed to white. What happened?
It could be a woodchuck that is eating your plant.
This is a, ah, perennial question (see similar ones below), and there is still no sure answer that we are aware of. The color change could be a sign that the plant is aging, it could be an indication of not enough sunlight, and it could be symptomatic of poor soil conditions (inaccurate pH or lack of composted/organic material or lack of moisture; see above). We hope this helps!
I did not mention in my question about moving astilbe that I live in Northeast Ohio. And that the front of my house is southeast but more east.
My astilbe is in a shady area but is not growing and flowering well there. I would like to move it to the front of my house where it will receive partial shade. It is June 17th. Can I move it now. I have seen fully grown, flowering astilbe, and mine has barely grown! Thanks
It is best to move astilbe in the spring, when the soil is cool and moist. Moving now may be dodgy, unless you can control the soil temp and moisture (hard to do). Ah-ha: Maybe you could transfer it to a container?? If you do this (or if you move it) make sure that the soil is well-draining composted/organic material and keep it moist but not soaking; it should drain. As for its having barely grown, these are slow-growing plants but if given proper care/conditions will bloom for years.
I planted some about two seasons ago but have yet to have blooms . How long does it take to get long tall blooms ? Thank you eastern Maryland waiting for fluffy blooms .
Astilbe are slow-growing plants and if you started with a relatively small one, it may need to mature before it flowers. You might also check its environment: Astilbes need composted/organic material, moisture, and sunlight/some shade.
Mine have done incredibly well for many years now but are starting to overtake the space...when and how can I divide them?
This is best done in early spring or fall—but not before the third year. Unearth, or lift, the plants, allowing a good few inches from the base/cluster of stems. Shake off the soil and you should see a cluster of “knobs” at (what would be) ground level, with roots coming out of the bottom and stems coming out the top of them. Each knob is a plant. Separate them with a clean, sharp knife and replant each knob.
