How to Grow Astilbe Perennial Flower

Perennial

Perennial Astilbe is a great shade plant with rich, dense foliage and feathery, summer blooms for your shade garden. Also known as False Spirea and False Goat's Beard, Astilbe is native to Asia and North America. Astilbe plumes bloom in June-July. Colors include include pink, red, white, purple and peach.  Plants grow 18" to as much as 5 feet. There is a dwarf variety that grows about 6".

Astilbe looks its best when planted in groups. They look great in a flower bed, as border edging, or in containers.

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Plant Propagation:

Astilbe are commonly propagated by division of their roots. This is best done in either spring or fall. For best performance of these showy shade lovers, separate roots every 3-4 years.

Astilbe can also be grown from seed. Sow seeds early in the spring indoors, or directly into your garden after the weather and soil has warmed in your area.

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How to Grow Astilbe Flowers:

Growing Astilbe is very easy. Astilbe plants prefer partial to full shade. They need a soft soil, mixed with lots of humus or peat. The soil must drain well. Water the plants to keep the soil moist, preferably at all times.

Space plants 12" to 24" apart. They look best when planted in groups.  

Astilbe are heavy feeders. In addition to a rich soil, add fertilizer high in nitrogen, on a regular basis. Mulch around plants to help keep weeds down, and to retain soil moisture. Mulch will also help to feed the plants as it decomposes.

These hardy plants will overwinter well. But, a layer of much is still recommended, especially in the coldest climates.

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Insect and Disease:

Astilbe seldom have major problems with insects and disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

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