Great Design Plant: Astilbe
Astilbe's feathery white flowers add unique texture to the garden, even as the weather turns cooler
It isn't easy to find a showy plant that thrives in shade and looks good even as the flowers die. That's why I'm such a fan of astilbes. These gorgeous plants have feathery plumes that make them look spectacular en masse and let them stand out solo in a mixed garden.
Astilbes originated in Japan and China in the 1800s, and German and Dutch botanists could not get enough of crossing them, creating new cultivars and brightening up their color. While astilbes now come in a range of pinks and purples, we're going to look at the first astilbe hue the Europeans saw back in the 1800s: white.
Astilbes originated in Japan and China in the 1800s, and German and Dutch botanists could not get enough of crossing them, creating new cultivars and brightening up their color. While astilbes now come in a range of pinks and purples, we're going to look at the first astilbe hue the Europeans saw back in the 1800s: white.
Distinguishing traits. Astilbes have delicate, feathery plumes that bloom above the base of the leaves in June and/or July, depending on your zone.
Even when not in bloom, the plant's fernlike leaves are attractive. The flowers are fragrant and attract butterflies.
Even when not in bloom, the plant's fernlike leaves are attractive. The flowers are fragrant and attract butterflies.
As the blooms start to fade in the fall, their structures still add a unique texture to the garden that many people find lovely. In fact, astilbe is popular as a dried flower.
Astilbe is a versatile plant. Here are the best ways to use it:
- In a mixed perennial garden
- In a cutting garden (these were originally grown in Europe for for their value as cut flowers)
- In all-white gardens, including moon gardens
- For foundation plantings
- In an all-astilbe border garden
- En masse
- As a woodland border
Planting notes. Astilbes prefer acidic or neutral soil. Add organic material to any soil that is lacking in nutrients. Space 12 to 18 inches apart; dig holes as deep as the container or about 6 inches deep for bare-root specimens.
Keep plants watered and soil moist; extremely hot weather and lack of water will quickly kill astilbes. Otherwise, they are quite tolerant and strong.
Divide every three to four years.
More Great Design Plants
Keep plants watered and soil moist; extremely hot weather and lack of water will quickly kill astilbes. Otherwise, they are quite tolerant and strong.
Divide every three to four years.
More Great Design Plants
Common name: Astilbe, false spirea
USDA zones: 4 to 9 (find your zone)
Water requirement: Regular watering. Soil should be moist, rich in organic material and well drained.
Light requirement: Light to moderate shade; filtered light or three to four hours of light per day are ideal.
Mature size: 24 inches high, up to 18 inches wide
Benefits and tolerances: This is a showy shade plant that thrives in moist/damp soils. It cannot tolerate drought or full sun. Astilbes are mostly pest resistant, including deer and rabbit resistant. The exception is the black vine weevil.
Seasonal interest: Lovely base of leaves in summer; showy summer blooms. Even the spent blooms look good in the fall and the dried flowers can adorn the house in winter.
When to plant: Mid-spring or after the last frost