Astilbe

Botanical Name

:

Astilbe spp.

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring or fall; Blooms in summer and spring

Sun Level

:

Partial shade to full shade

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

Flourish in temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C)

Soil Type

:

Loamy, moist

Hardiness Zones

:

4–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

The best way to grow Astilbe is through division every 2–3 years in spring or fall. Seeds take longer to germinate and bloom (6 to 8 weeks), making division the quicker option.

P.H. Level

:

Slightly acidic soil pH of around 6.0

Water/Irrigation

:

Constant moisture

Fertilization

:

Regular fertilization (especially phosphorus); choose a 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer

Habit

:

Clump-forming

Propagation

:

Division, seeds

Final Plant Height

:

1–4 ft

Spread

:

2 ft

Flowers

:

Plume-like flowers in shades of white, pink, red, and lavender (6” in length)

Attracts

:

Butterflies, hummingbirds, birds

Uses

:

Floral arrangements, shade gardens, and woodland borders

Companions

:

Hostas, holy ferns, and heuchera

Pruning

:

Remove faded flowers as they wilt throughout the season

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans but can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if consumed excessively

Pests

:

Trouble-free; groundhogs and rabbits may feed on new growth

Diseases

:

It can develop powdery mildew in humid weather conditions.

Additional Info

:

Keep soil consistently moist, especially in summer