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).
Catherine Boeckmann
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Hi there,
I love Astilbe. I have planted 2 in my garden growing beautifully. However when it's starts to rain heavily they bow over i.e. limped looking. I waited after several sunny days but they never straightened up like before. Is it because I did not put the root deep enough in the soil or it's unavoidable after heavy rain because their stem are fragile? Anything should buy to help them stand?
I just received my astilbe bulbs. I live in southeast Michigan. Is it to late to plant the bulbs? Do I need to wait until fall to plant them?
We just purchased Astilbe Chocolate Kiss and I am noticing that the leaves are rolling up and turning brown, what do I need to do to save this beautiful plant?
If astilbe leaves are curling and turning brown, this is usually drought stress. Astilbe need very moist soils in shady spots. Water consistently to keep soil moist (not soggy); add organic mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. Water the plant regularly and only allow the top one inch of the soil to dry out between irrigations.
I planted a bare rooted plant several months ago in a pot. How should I winter it? I live in Greeley Colorado
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!
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.
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
Astilbe chinensis ‘Pumila’ – Choose this low-growing astilbe if you need an attractive groundcover; it tops out at about six inches high, with lavender flowers that grow to 12 inches. Many gardeners say the plumes have a delicious grape scent.
