Astilbe spp., astilbe
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Perennials

Astilbe spp.

astilbe

SaxifragaceaeEastern Asia, eastern North America

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height6 inches–5 feet (15–150 cm)
Width1–3 feet (30–90 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A genus of clump-forming perennials ranging from 6 inches to 5 feet (15–150 cm) tall depending on species and cultivar group, with most garden varieties falling between 18–36 inches (45–90 cm). Leaves are compound, 2–3 times pinnate, with ovate to lance-shaped leaflets 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) long, often emerging with bronze or reddish tints in spring before maturing to dark green. Some cultivars maintain bronze or dark foliage throughout the season. Flowers are tiny, borne in dense, feathery panicles (plumes) 6–18 inches (15–45 cm) long, in white, cream, pink, red, or purple depending on species and cultivar. Plumes are erect to arching. Bloom time varies by cultivar group from late spring through midsummer. Dried plumes persist and turn brown, remaining ornamental through fall and winter. Plants spread slowly by rhizomes. Foliage wilts and browns rapidly under drought; soil that dries out completely causes irreversible foliage damage. Established clumps decline in vigor after 3–4 years without division.

Native Range

Species native to moist woodland margins, stream banks, and meadows across eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea) and eastern North America. Most garden astilbes are complex hybrids (Astilbe x arendsii and related groups) derived from crosses among several Asian species.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in shade gardens, woodland borders, and along water features at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Requires reliable moisture; not suited to dry shade conditions. Dried plumes are used in cut and dried arrangements. Performs well in containers of 5 gallons (19 L) or more with consistent watering.

How to Identify

Identified by compound, 2–3 times pinnate leaves with toothed leaflets, often bronze-tinted when emerging. Feathery panicles of tiny flowers in white, pink, red, or purple rise above the foliage on upright stems. Dried brown plumes persist through fall and winter. Requires consistent moisture to avoid wilting — a distinguishing cultural trait.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

white
cream
pink
red
purple

Foliage Colors

green
bronze

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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SpringSummer
Bloom time varies by cultivar group: early types bloom May–June, midseason types June–July, and late types July–August in zones 4–8. In zone 3, bloom is delayed 2–3 weeks compared to zone 6. Individual plumes remain ornamental for 2–3 weeks; dried seedheads persist for months. Deadheading does not extend bloom.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, cream, pink, red, purple

Foliage Description

dark green, bronze-tinted when emerging

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 2-4 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
loamclay
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade in consistently moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Consistent moisture is critical — foliage scorches and browns within days if soil dries completely, especially in summer heat. Mulch 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) deep to retain soil moisture. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring when the center of the clump dies out or flowering decreases. In zones 4–5, mulch crowns after frost in the first winter after planting. Do not cut back spent plumes until spring; dried seedheads provide winter interest.

Pruning

Leave spent plumes intact through fall and winter; they turn brown but remain upright and provide structure. Cut all stems to ground level in early spring before new growth emerges. Division in early spring every 3–4 years renews vigor; replant divisions at the same depth as the original crown.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic