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Astilbe spp.

astilbe

Saxifragaceae Eastern Asia, eastern North America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 3–8

Overview

Astilbe spp. is a genus of clump-forming herbaceous perennials grown for feathery plumes of tiny flowers held above ferny foliage. Across the genus, plants reach 6 inches to 5 feet (15-150 cm) tall and 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) wide. The divided, often glossy leaves are dark green and bronze-tinted as they emerge, giving a fern-like texture. Branched, upright flower panicles open from late spring into summer in white, cream, pink, red, and purple, lasting several weeks before drying to tan seed heads that hold through autumn. Astilbes grow in part shade in consistently moist, humus-rich, slightly acid soil; their main limitation is sensitivity to drought, which scorches the leaf edges and shortens bloom. They spread slowly into broad clumps that benefit from division every few years. The genus ranges across eastern Asia and eastern North America. Hardy in cool and temperate zones, astilbes are grown in shade borders, beside ponds and streams, and in woodland gardens.

Native Range

The genus Astilbe spp. is native to eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and the Himalayas, with a few species in eastern North America. In the wild, astilbes grow in damp woodland, ravines, and along streams.

Suggested Uses

Astilbes are grown in shade and woodland borders, along pond and stream margins, and in damp mixed plantings, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Lower species suit shaded groundcover and edging, and the plumes are used fresh or dried in arrangements.

How to Identify

Astilbes are identified by their compound, fern-like leaves, often bronze-tinted when young, and by upright, branched plumes of densely packed tiny flowers. Plume color ranges from white and cream to pink, red, and purple. The dried tan seed heads remain upright into autumn after the flowers fade.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 5'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Summer

Flowering runs from late spring into summer, generally June through July, with timing varying by species and cultivar from early to late season. The plumes hold color for several weeks, then dry to tan and persist into autumn. Bloom is fullest where soil stays moist.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, cream, pink, red, purple

Foliage Description

Dark green, bronze-tinted when emerging, fern-like

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow in part shade in consistently moist, fertile, humus-rich soil that is neutral to slightly acid, around pH 5.5-6.5. Steady moisture is the key need, since drought scorches the foliage and cuts flowering short; plants beside water or in moisture-holding soil grow most strongly. Full sun is tolerated only where the soil never dries. Mulch conserves moisture and an annual feed supports the heavy bloom. Divide congested clumps every three to four years in spring. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.

Pruning

Spent plumes may be left standing for autumn and winter form or cut back after flowering for a tidier look. Cut all foliage to the ground in late autumn or early spring once it has died down. Lift and divide clumps in spring to maintain vigor.

Pruning Schedule

fallearly spring