How to Grow Astilbe

For flowers that are easy care and have a long display of unusual blooms, try astilbe. These plants have shiny compound, fern-like leaves and tall plumes of flowers reaching up to 20 inches or more in height in shades of pink, red, mauve or white. Growing 18 to 24 inches wide, they look great when mass planted in beds, around ponds or used for naturalizing. Suitable for USDA zones 4 to 9.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Organic matter
• Astilbe bare roots
• Bucket
• Water
• Mulch
• General fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Select the site for the astilbe. They do well in dappled shade; they can handle full sun if they get plenty of water. They need soil with good drainage but still retains moisture. Dig in plenty of organic matter several weeks before planting.

2. Plant astilbe either in the spring or fall. Fill a bucket with water and soak the bare root several hours or overnight before planting. Dig a hole that is twice as large as the bare root and 4 to 6 inches deep. Place the bare root in the hole, making sure the crown is 1 to 2 inches below the ground. Fill with soil and tamp down gently to remove air bubbles. Water to settle the soil. Space the bare roots 8 to 10 inches apart.

3. Water astilbe regularly. New young plants need plenty of water during prolonged dry spells during the growing season. Do not let them dry out. Mulch astilbe year round to help retain moisture.

4. Apply a general fertilizer to astilbe as the growth starts in the spring. Repeat 6 to 8 weeks later. Astilbe has no specific pests or disease problems.

5. Watch for the astilbe to bloom beginning in late spring and continuing through the summer. The floral displays will last longer in cooler climes. There is no need to prune astilbe as the spent flowerheads turn a rich brown color, creating an interesting display through the winter months. Wait until the following spring to cut the flower stems to the ground.

6. Divide the astilbe in late fall. Dig up the clumps and divide, making sure each division has a crown and a decent amount of roots. Replant 8 to 10 inches apart and water thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Astilbe look nice planted near ferns.

• Check the guarantee and return policies of the nursery, gardening center, catalog or garden website you buy plants. Some have a one year guarantee and require that you have the receipt, shipping invoice or shipping label. Michigan Bulb guarantees their plants for life and will either replace the plants or refund your money as long as you are gardening.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Michigan Bulb