Astilbe is a carefree garden plant and shade-loving. Still, it blooms beautifully, brightening any shady and dark garden part with its brilliant mid-summer color, from white to deep burgundy.
Discover a keen appreciation for these garden plants and learn how to grow them in any part of the garden quickly.
What is Astilbe?
Astilbe is a genus of 18 species of rhizomatous flowering plants within the family Saxifragaceae. This garden plant is native to mountain ravines and woodlands in Asia and North America. Some species are known as false goat’s beard and false spirea.
Astilbe blooms large, handsome, often fern-like foliage and dense, feathery plumes of flowers. Some flowers have a strong and pleasant aroma. This plant can be usually found in shade and water-logged conditions, even clay soil – making it well-loved by many gardeners for being carefree.
What does Astilbe symbolize?
These beautiful flowers bloom for longer, symbolizing patience and dedication to a beloved one. Whenever it is given as a flower gift, it sends a message of “I will be waiting for you’ or ‘I’ll still be waiting.”
See: Types of Bouquets
Where does Astilbe grow best?
Astilbe grows best in a spotted or partly shady location in moisture-retentive soil to thrive. In full shade, it will not bloom as much as it can. In full sun, it will need shade during the hot summer climates.
Astilbe loves water and moisture and does not tolerate dry soil, and they love the sun for as long as the soil doesn’t dry out. Hence, this plant usually grows in water near a pond or any water source.
Among its species, Chinese Astilbe is the most heat and drought-tolerant. Their flowers are in branched, relatively narrow panicles, mostly in shades of rose to purple.
On the other hand, Astilbe japonica typically blooms in late spring through early summer, making it the longest-blooming Astilbe.
How to plant Astilbe?
Spacing
Once you have selected a good location for this shade-loving plant, make sure to plant it 18 to 24 inches apart. Every 3 to 4 years, the clump that spreads quickly must be divided to keep them within bounds.
Planting
The best season to plant is during spring or fall. Starting from seed will take time to germinate and will need some years to get a substantial plant. The best way is to get new transplants from dividing mature clumped plants.
Watering
Water is the best friend of this full colors plant. It needs to be watered deeply every week because, though it needs sun to bloom fully, the soil must not dry out. When the plant lacks water, the foliage will turn brown and may even die. But keep in mind that over-watering should be avoided.
Fertilizing
Keep the plant healthy by using compost. During spring, add a 1- to 2-inch thick layer of compost. Mix it with a balanced organic fertilizer (i.e. 5-5-5) to help stimulate new growth and flowering. Put organic fertilizer in a side dress in early summer.
Mulching
Mulching is highly recommended for this plant. It will help retain soil moisture, keeping soil from drying out quickly. Most importantly, it keeps weeds away, making maintenance must easier.
Growing Astilbe is relatively easy, and you can enjoy full colors, especially during summer, even in shady areas. With this plant as part of your landscape, you can have blooms for extended periods without the hassle of maintaining a garden.
