How to Grow and Care for Astilbe Plants

Astilbe are extremely bright and beautiful for a shade plant.

Here at Gertens, we provide information on how to grow and care for Astilbe plants. Astilbe (a-stil' be) are a great, versatile perennial for either shade or sun. They are most often considered for shade because of the vibrant colors that their plumes add in shade gardens where color is at a premium. Flower colors include reds, pinks, whites, and lavender. Each variety seems to take on its own flower plume shape from either the elongated, airy look of the 'Visions' Astilbe or the compact look of the 'Fanal'. Size of the plant varies depending on the variety: from 10 inches up to 49 inches. The foliage differs as well from light greens to dark, shiny to dull, deep cut serrations to shallow. They have a lengthy bloom time from July to August.

Astilbe flowers are not only great for adding color to shady places, they can also be planted in the sun and used for borders and accents. They can handle a semi-wet environment around ponds and pools, and can also be used as a cut flower when the flowers are half-open.

Astilbe is a versatile plant in its light requirement, but it needs to have a proper growing environment to strive in your landscape. They enjoy being planted in fertile soil that is high in organic matter. They need adequate moisture but good drainage throughout the growing season to ensure full healthy plants that will produce many flower plumes. Adding peat moss to the soil increases drainage and adds organic matter to the soil. Astilbe need to be divided every 3 to 4 years at the crown in early spring.

There are hundreds of varieties of Astilbe that vary in foliage, flower color, and height. Gertens carries a wide variety of Astilbe in the perennial lot. Astilbe can add summertime color to any shade or sun garden and even to your kitchen table.

You can always search for these and many other plants on Gertens Plant Info Page or on Gertens.