Astilbe (False Spirea)

Summer flowering Astilbe thrives best in moist locations and is a mainstay of shade and woodland gardens. It is a clump-forming perennial which feature graceful, fern-like mounds of mostly basal compound leaves. Fluffy flower plumes of white, pink or red hues rise above dense green or bronze foliage. Seed heads may be removed, or left on the plant for winter interest. Astilbe is an excellent companion for ferns and hostas, and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers and foliage are good for cutting and may be used in fresh floral arrangements or as a dried flower. They are among the most beautiful plants you can grow in your garden and do not need staking.

Astilbe prefers a moist, slightly acidic, well-drained and organic rich soil away from afternoon sun. It will not flower as well in deep shade, and full sun will be tolerated in cool climates if the plants are kept well watered. Wilting and die- back can be avoided in hot, dry periods with ample irrigation. Foliage decline (leaves browning up) may occur in hot summers and/or periods of drought if soils are not kept moist. Periodically feed with a 5-10-5 fertilizer. You can also mulch with compost over winter. Divide every 3-5 years. In order to keep Astilbe looking good the following season, do not cut it back in the winter as the old foliage helps protect the plant from winter damage, but prune in early spring. Astilbe can be used in perennial borders, shade gardens, and along a water edge. It is slug and deer resistant, and resistant to walnut toxicity. Plant them in groups for maximum impact.

There are various Astilbe cultivars or hybrids. The Arendsii hybrids can vary considerably in plant size, inflorescence shape, leaf color/shape and bloom period. Generally, however, they are early bloomers and grow 2.5-3’, with ovate to lance-shaped leaflets. Chinese Astilbe is generally noted for having better sun and drought tolerance, though still performs best in uniformly moist soils. Chinese Astilbe is a slowly spreading, rhizomatous plant which blooms later than the Arendsii hybrids. Astilbe cultivars in the Thunbergii hybrid group are generally tall and bloom later.

To plant bare root perennials, dig a hole large enough to encompass the roots without bending or circling. Set the plant in place so the crown (part of the plant where the root meets the stem) is about 1-2” below the soil surface. Cover with soil to the original soil surface and water thoroughly.

Supplied as 1-3 eye bare root. 

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